BRONX, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simon Bolivar Foundation, the charitable organization of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, is accepting letters of interest for grants from qualifying organizations that offer services to South Bronx residents in the areas of education, environment, healthy living and arts and culture. Eligible 501 (c)(3) organizations can apply online at the Foundation's website: www.simonbolivarfoundation.org. Applications must be received by March 27, 2014.

CITGO created the Bronx Social Programs in 2007 to promote a brighter future for the South Bronx, where residents have a vibrant community that is a good place to live for generations to come. Since the programs' inception, more than 100,000 Bronx residents have benefited from them.

A volunteer Community Advisory Team made up of local leaders and residents who have in-depth knowledge and expertise of their community and/or in the focus areas of education, environment, healthy living and arts and culture will review the applications and recommend programs to be selected by the Simon Bolivar Foundation to receive funds.

The Simon Bolivar Foundation Inc. is a Section 501 (c)(3) private foundation created by CITGO Petroleum Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information visit www.CITGO.com.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation