William Penn Foundation

2025 is right around the corner—how can we help you make your impact? Our next round of new funding opportunities opens next week, December 9th! With funding available through an RFP process for nonprofits of all sizes and for a variety of programs, you can take the next step toward bringing the change you want to see to our region. Learn more on our website and by registering for an informational webinar: https://lnkd.in/eVR4J4mp

📰 HISTORIC NEWS: We’re thrilled to be boosting #Philadelphia’s arts and culture sector with an $8 million grant to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund! A trusted resource among the city's arts ecosystem for 31 years, PCF will use the grant to manage a four-year initiative providing small arts and culture organizations with general operating support funds and capacity strengthening services. Not only is this the first time PCF has received money outside of its allocation from the city’s budget, but it will go on to create crucial support for 200+ organizations with budgets under $1.5 million.    Read the full The Philadelphia Inquirer story: https://bit.ly/3YYWUQs 

32 Arts and Culture grants.  18 Children and Families grants.  24 Democracy and Civic Initiatives grants.  12 Environment and Public Space grants. 17 Workforce Training and Services grants. We just awarded more than $40 million in our five grantmaking programs, and we’re excited to watch the city and region flourish through these innovative programs and initiatives. View the full list of awarded grants: https://lnkd.in/ei_fT5EN New funding opportunities opening December 9: https://lnkd.in/eUQs3kea

Senior Program Officer Kellie Brown joined colleagues and stakeholders convened by Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Investment Commission for the recent Child Care Innovation Forum in Harrisburg. Over the last year, she and the innovation team dedicated thought leadership to examine ways to advance solutions for early learning and its workforce in Pennsylvania. When young children participate in quality early learning programs, they are more likely to experience success in their elementary school years and beyond. Learn more about this work and the Early Learning Investment Commission at https://lnkd.in/daj6BE_3

How exciting to see #grantee Mural Arts Philadelphia in the The New York Times, featured for their 40 years of beautifying our beloved city with community-inspired art! Philadelphia is a brighter, more colorful, and more connected city thanks to your impact and leadership. https://lnkd.in/ejNYGDAQ

Join the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading on November 12 for "Words in Every Neighborhood: Citywide Efforts to Expand Literacy-Rich Environments"  The session will explore the collaboration in Philadelphia that brought together researchers, practitioners, and local organizations to create literacy-rich environments in spaces where children and caregivers spend time. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4f2JNod

We're honored to be featured on Philadelphia magazine's "150 Most Influential People in Philly" list as "Philly's Funders" alongside the Philadelphia Foundation! It's a privilege to be in such good company with so many of our grantees, partners, and collaborators who are equally dedicated to enhancing our city's vitality through civic leadership and innovation. It's a great time to be a Philadelphian! See the full list: https://lnkd.in/d9TKRUy

It was an honor to sit down with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy last week to discuss how public spaces have the potential to combat loneliness and disconnection and strengthen relationships, communities, and our democracy. A great few days with the Reimagining the Civic Commons community!

We are less than two weeks away from Election Day on November 5. Did you know that we have a Democracy and Civic Initiatives grant program that supports more people to participate in democratic processes? To help prepare communities for election day, our grantee Every Voice, Every Vote put together a resource guide with key information about how and where to vote: https://lnkd.in/eC7BZ4Td

“If we want our arts and culture organizations to thrive, we need to also invest in the physical spaces where high-quality programs are happening.” – WPF Program Director Barbara Wong on the Foundation’s $2 million grant to the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts to address building improvements and repairs. Check out this great Fox 29 Philadelphia, WTXF piece by Bill Anderson discussing the Clef Club’s vast history and future of its facility featuring performers, staff, board, and WPF’s own Barbara Wong. https://lnkd.in/eHCTrKRG