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News and Perspectives

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

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Bringing federal funding to the region for climate and environmental justice

Cara Ferrentino

Our foundation has a long history of helping the Philadelphia region access other philanthropic and public funding as a way of broadening and deepening our impact. Over the past year, we have focused on the unprecedented federal funding that has recently...

William Penn Foundation Expands Areas of Focus for Grantmaking, Simplifies Grant Application Process

William Penn Foundation

The William Penn Foundation launches a new approach to its grantmaking.

One PA canvassers smile and pose

Making Everyone’s Voice Heard Begins Early

Jessica Richards

In preparation for this presidential election year, the William Penn Foundation acted early and awarded grants to increase voter engagement well before election day.

Listening to Community Voices

Elizabeth Thompson

Listening to community voices has been an essential component of the Foundation’s strategy revision that launched last fall.

William Penn Foundation Annual Letter 2024

The Chair and Vice Chair of our Board of Directors reflect on this moment in the Foundation’s history.

Delaware River at Penn's Landing

Philadelphia Leaders Weigh in on Vision for a Swimmable Delaware River (Part 3)

Before we know it, the last of winter’s frosty mornings will be behind us and summer will be on the horizon. Last summer, as we know, served up some of the hottest days on record and we can expect another season like it that will leave Philadelphians...

Young girl holding bows

Quality Early Learning Programs are Open for Business: Let’s Keep It That Way

Like never before, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed an undeniable truth about early learning programs—they are essential components of our nation’s education and economic infrastructure.

Getting the Big Stuff Done

As building has begun on the long-awaited park over I-95 along the Delaware River, the director of the William Penn Foundation lays out how we got here and why the process is a model for major development in the city.

What We’re Learning From Our Stakeholders

At the William Penn Foundation, we have been exploring how our grantmaking should evolve to meet the changing needs of communities across the region.

William Penn Foundation Names Jennifer Stavrakos Director of Great Learning

William Penn Foundation

The William Penn Foundation announced today the appointment of Jennifer Stavrakos as Director of Great Learning.