William Penn Foundation

We are pleased to share that six Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are now available! Six new opportunities for funding are waiting across our Arts and Culture, Children and Families, & Environment and Public Space programs. We want to hear how you are ready to make an impact for Philadelphia’s arts, families, and environment. Review the opportunities, join us for informational webinars, and apply now through April 25th: https://lnkd.in/e5RbU5Kp

Great things are happening in Philly to prepare for 2026. As a founding member of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial we have seen first-hand the many incredible projects that are being planned to commemorate the anniversary, and also to prepare for the other big events happening that year. It's time to come together to help get Philadelphia to the goal line as we prepare to welcome people from around the world to our great city and give them -- along with our residents -- an unforgettable experience. Big thanks to Kathryn Ott Lovell, Michael Newmuis, Angela Val and the many others working tirelessly to make 2026 a success.

Partnership. Collaboration. Shared learning. These are core values of the Foundation's grantmaking, and key facets of how we hope to serve as a community partner. As one way of living out these values, we have created something new in our grantmaking process -- Learning Communities. WPF grantees working to advance similar goals will meet regularly to learn from each other and help solve challenges. Recently we kicked off our first learning communities with grantees from our October 2024 board meeting. We are excited to work closely with our grantees toward greater collaboration, communication, and learning in the coming years! 

Attention grant seekers: new funding opportunities open on March 19th! With funding available through an RFP process for nonprofits of all sizes and working on a variety of issues, you can take the next step toward bringing the change you want to see to our region. Learn more about our six upcoming RFPs and register now for informational webinars on each one: https://lnkd.in/eifJTgU7

We’re excited to announce that we recently awarded 95 grants totaling more than $34.5 million! 🌳 28 Environment and Public Space grants. 🎨 47 Arts and Culture grants. 🏡 17 Children and Families grants. ⚖️ 3 Democracy and Civic Initiatives grants. See all of the awarded grants here: https://lnkd.in/ej_jJyYR Building a better future for Philadelphia starts with you. How can we support your work? Explore our upcoming funding opportunities: https://lnkd.in/eETVNpt5

A new pilot program called Live and Learn brings playful learning installations to two affordable housing communities in North Philadelphia. Based on the science of playful learning and child development, these installations seek to create spaces where kids can strengthen their skills in language and vocabulary, math and science, problem solving, and more. In collaboration with educators, housing developers, and local nonprofit organizations, parents and community residents shape the goals, designs, and themes of each project. Learn more about this work through WHYY's feature: https://lnkd.in/ehX-zNPx

Standing with you in pursuit of a more just city and region. Read our annual letter here: https://lnkd.in/eynXc_xc

Rebuild PHL is transforming Philadelphia communities. Proud to be a part of this monumental work - let’s keep it up!

Do you know a #Philly organizer or movement organization addressing the #climatecrisis and climate injustice? Nominate them to be recognized for their essential work! The Bread & Roses Community Fund's annual "Tribute to Change" gathering brings together people who care about social justice in the Philadelphia region to connect, celebrate victories, and raise funds for grassroots organizing. This year's Tribute will focus on “Turning the Tide: Climate Justice and the Fight for Liberation.” Nominations are due by February 24. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/e5wBAX4G.

Did you know City Hall spends roughly 30% less on parks than the national average of the 100-most-populous cities? Public spaces like parks and rec centers reduce crime, create tax revenue, promote healthy habits, and most significantly, they bring communities together. Rebuild PHL’s goal to reinvigorate hundreds of these spaces throughout #Philadelphia kicked off with enormous success—but to accomplish the full extent of their impact, further support is needed. Read more about the work that remains to be done from The Philadelphia Citizen: http://bit.ly/4gb71rU