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The William Penn Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization based in Philadelphia, has announced grants totaling over $34.5 million to support efforts that expand access to resources and opportunities, promoting a more vital and just region. A total of 95 grants were awarded through the foundation’s five grantmaking programs, which focus on arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic initiatives, environment, and public space.
The foundation awarded 13 grants, totaling $3.5 million, to advance arts and culture capital support. One notable grant was $500,000 to Wilma Theater to support bathroom renovations, improving accessibility and inclusion for theatergoers with disabilities. This grant will enable Wilma Theater to upgrade its facilities and provide a more welcoming experience for its diverse audience.
For further information, read more details here
Additionally, 17 grants totaling $3.7 million were awarded to advance arts and culture programming. This included $468,500 to Camden Repertory Theater to launch Camden FRESH, a new play development, traveling theater, and audience engagement program. Camden FRESH aims to bring high-quality theater performances to underserved communities in Camden, promoting arts education and appreciation.
Sixteen grants, totaling $2.9 million, were also awarded to advance arts education programming. The Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts received $271,875 to support arts education programs for youth in Camden. These programs will provide young people with opportunities to develop their creative skills, build confidence, and explore career paths in the arts.
In the area of mental and behavioral health services, eight grants totaling $3.35 million were awarded. The Oshun Family Center received $593,275 to expand the Maternal Wellness Village, providing mental stability and support for Black birthing families in Philadelphia. This program addresses the critical need for culturally responsive mental health services for new mothers and their families.
For further information, read more details here
Furthermore, eight grants totaling $4.96 million were awarded to advance out-of-school learning. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia received $1.6 million to provide free out-of-school time programming to youth at its Germantown, Wissahickon, and Frankford clubs. This funding will enable the Boys and Girls Clubs to offer a range of activities, including STEM education, arts programs, and sports, to support the academic and personal development of young people.
Three grants were also awarded to support regional funder collaboration, including $764,000 to Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to support community impact projects for the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia. This funding will help leverage the World Cup as a catalyst for community development and social change in Philadelphia.
In the area of environmental sustainability, six grants totaling $4.8 million were awarded to advance urban trees. Public Health Management Corporation received $2 million to support equitable tree programming and planting in Philadelphia. This initiative aims to increase tree canopy coverage in underserved neighborhoods, improving air quality, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and enhancing community health and well-being.
Eleven grants, totaling approximately $3 million, were awarded to advance urban gardens. The Village of Arts and Humanities received $440,900 to advance land acquisition for, and use and preservation of, gardens and farms. This funding will support the development of community-led gardens and green spaces, promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Finally, nine grants totaling approximately $5 million were awarded to reduce illegal dumping. Philadelphia City Fund received $1.1 million to enable Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to conduct a community-first model to bring an end to illegal dumping in Philadelphia’s parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds.
This initiative will engage community members in the development of solutions to prevent illegal dumping and promote a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful urban environment.
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