William Penn Foundation Names Chief Philanthropy Officer

The William Penn Foundation today announced that Elliot Weinbaum will assume the role of Chief Philanthropy Officer. As Chief Philanthropy Officer, Weinbaum will oversee an annual grant budget of more than $120 million and will lead the Foundation’s core grantmaking activities. He will work with staff in the Creative Communities, Great Learning, and Watershed Protection programs to identify innovative new streams of work, advance cross-programmatic opportunities, and ensure impactful grantmaking.

“The Foundation remains committed to supporting the Philadelphia region and improving the quality of life for all who call it home,” said Shawn McCaney, Executive Director of the William Penn Foundation. “Elliot brings extensive experience, breadth of knowledge, and strategic thinking to the CPO position that will bolster our ability to undertake new work to advance our mission.”

The Foundation has reintroduced the Chief Philanthropy Officer position, which it last had in 2016, to strengthen its grantmaking and philanthropic leadership amid recent organizational growth and change. Recent initiatives include a $35 million response to the pandemic, new collaborations with other funders, the start of a strategy review process for the Foundation’s environmental and education programs, and adoption of a new equity-focused strategy for funding arts, culture, and public space.

“I look forward to taking on this role at an exciting time in the Foundation’s history, as we seek ever more effective ways to support improvements in our city and region, and deepen our focus on equity,” said Elliot Weinbaum. “I am honored to lead the team of thoughtful, dedicated, and creative William Penn Foundation staff who use data, research, and community input to support efforts to improve water quality, strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes, and enhance access to arts and public space.”

Having served as Program Director for the Great Learning program for almost nine years, Weinbaum oversaw approximately $33 million in annual grantmaking to increase access to high-quality early learning opportunities for children and support high school students on the path toward graduation. Prior to working at the Foundation, Weinbaum served as an Associate Commissioner at the US Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences.

Senior Program Officer Jennifer Stavrakos will serve as Interim Director of Great Learning until a search for a new director is completed later this year.

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About William Penn Foundation                  

The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase educational opportunities for children from low-income families, ensure a sustainable environment, provide inclusive and equitable public spaces and arts and culture experiences, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org