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News and Perspectives

The latest news, perspectives, and updates from around the Foundation.

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Standing with you in pursuit of a more just city and region

February 20, 2025

Our annual letter to the community is typically a space where we reflect on the work of the past year and share thoughts about what’s ahead. This year, though, that approach feels out of sync with the moment in which we find ourselves as a country. The...

Blue Cross River Rink

Awarded Grants | February 2025

Grants Announcement

February 20, 2025

The Foundation is pleased to announce it recently awarded 95 grants totaling more than $34.5 million in its five grantmaking programs, supporting efforts to expand access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region...

Solar Panel installation

Climate Ready Capital Projects Program

February 19, 2025

The William Penn Foundation recently awarded a three-year, $919,000 grant to Green Building United in support of the Climate Ready Capital Projects (CRCP) Program, an initiative dedicated to helping our grantees embed climate resilience and sustainability...

Cara Ferrentino

Photo collage of eight Philadelphia's Cultural Treasures grantees engaging in various forms of art (dance, drums, paint)

Words of Wisdom from Philadelphia's Cultural Treasures

February 19, 2025

Philadelphia’s robust and renowned arts and culture scene is the thread that weaves together the fabric of our city of neighborhoods. That fabric is only made stronger and more vibrant by arts organizations that are led by and serving people of color and...

Lindsay Tucker So

Funder Collaboration In Action

February 4, 2025

Working together to increase impact and lessen the burden on grantees We believe that one of the best ways we can advance our mission is to work with other funders to advance shared goals. We can accomplish more together when we can complement each other...

Cara Ferrentino

William Penn Foundation Awards $8 Million to Support Small Arts and Culture Organizations

November 18, 2024

The initiative will increase access to general operating support for organizations with budgets below $1.5 million PHILADELPHIA, November 18th, 2024 – The William Penn Foundation (WPF) recently awarded $8 million to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) to...

William Penn Foundation

Philadelphia Skyline image by Taylor Fleming

Awarded Grants | November 2024

Grants Announcement

November 13, 2024

The Foundation is pleased to announce it recently awarded 103 grants totaling more than $40 million in its five grantmaking programs, supporting efforts to expand access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for...

Americans Are Lonely and Disconnected. Better Civic Spaces Can Help.

September 18, 2024

We need more welcoming public places where people can connect in person — high-quality, well-maintained parks, trails, libraries and community centers. Investing in them is good for us and good for democracy. Americans have never been lonelier; studies...

OpEd published in Governing Magazine

William Penn Foundation Announces $24 Million in Capital Support for City’s Arts and Culture, Public Space Organizations

August 21, 2024

Today, the William Penn Foundation announced an investment of $24 million for capital improvements to five arts and culture organizations and three public space projects with significant benefits for communities locally and regionally.

William Penn Foundation

“Shifting Solution-Making to the Community.” Inside the William Penn Foundation’s New Strategy

In mid-July, William Penn Foundation leaders briefed over 200 individuals from across the Philadelphia area on the foundation’s new strategic plan. “It was a great session,” executive director Shawn McCaney told me a few days after the convening. “There...

Inside Philanthropy