The California Community Foundation (CCF) has been an advocate in the Los Angeles area since 1915, disbursing nearly every charitable dollar it receives to organizations that are improving the city's quality of life. Through the first round of grantmaking in 2013, CCF is distributing more than $2.3 million that will be allocated through 27 grants benefiting civic engagement, arts, affordable housing, healthcare and education initiatives.

The Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Metro Los Angeles, InnerCity Struggle in East L.A. and Zero to Three in Southeast L.A. were among the five education programs selected. Arts initiatives included TeAda Productions in West L.A., Friends of the McGroarty Arts Center in the San Fernando Valley and 826LA in Metro and West L.A.

"Discretionary charitable funds are a significant resource of the California Community Foundation that enables us to fulfill our mission of strengthening Los Angeles communities through effective philanthropy, civic engagement, sustaining nonprofits, and building long-term charitable assets expressly for Los Angeles," said president and CEO Antonia Hernandez.

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