The William Penn Foundation is accepting applications to support projects that improve existing arts and culture spaces to connect more Philadelphians to high-quality arts and culture experiences.
Donor Name: William Penn Foundation
State: Pennsylvania and New Jersey
City: Philadelphia and Camden
County: Bucks County (PA), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Montgomery County (PA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/25/2024
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
WPF is requesting proposals for 1-3-year projects to address direct capital improvement of a space that is currently owned by the applicant, or improvement for a space under long-term lease by the applicant. Projects may also address one-time major equipment purchases, including but not limited to technology, equipment to support artistic production and presentation, safety, and accessibility.
They are most interested in prioritizing projects that make it possible for all Philadelphians, including people with disabilities and those who have been most affected by economic inequity, racial discrimination, or other forms of injustice to benefit from high-quality arts and culture experiences—in spaces that are designed and equipped to be safe, welcoming, and engaging. They are most interested in prioritizing spaces that are integral to the overall arts and culture experience, where participants can see themselves and their communities, and develop a sense of belonging.
Funding Information
- WPF has a total of $5 million available to advance this objective at this time. They aim to consider a range of projects. There is no minimum or maximum that organizations may request but the most competitive proposals will likely be those with total requests under $750,000 and spaces owned by the organization. The grant amount requested should be proportionate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective.
- At least $1 million of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that have budgets under $2 million per year and are led by and/or serving individuals who are members of groups with a history of discrimination or exclusion.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)3 public charities or operate under a public charity fiduciary. Applicants must have received a William Penn Foundation grant within the past 10 years. Applicants must currently own their proposed physical space; or must hold a long-term lease for a minimum of the next 8 years. Eligible organizations include:
- Arts and culture organizations: organizations with a mission that centers on the creation, performance, and/or presentation of artistic and cultural programs and practices that are inclusive, equitable and have social impact.
- Arts education organizations: community art schools, community youth arts organizations, creative youth development organizations that work to make high-quality arts education accessible for youth ages 5-18.
- The majority of the funding will be awarded to projects in the City of Philadelphia. However, projects in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, and the City of Camden, NJ will also be considered.
For more information, visit WPF.
