If an application has already been started in response to this RFP, please visit the Proposals in Progress section in the Grants Portal to view and/or continue the application process.
Background
Arts and culture spaces play a pivotal role in strengthening the social and cultural fabric of our communities. These spaces are integral to the overall artistic programming experiences that provide Philadelphians with opportunities for civic engagement and deep community connections, creative expression, generate well-being, affirm cultural or community identity, and contribute to the vitality, economy, and livability of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Well-designed, well-maintained spaces can elevate new approaches to programming, engagement, and business models leading to greater resilience and growth in the arts and culture sector. To provide high-quality arts and culture experiences in the Philadelphia region, there is also a great need for accessible spaces and places that are inclusive of communities, audiences, and artists who have traditionally not been reflected due to economic inequity, social injustice, or discrimination.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation seeks to support projects that improve existing arts and culture spaces to connect more Philadelphians to high-quality arts and culture experiences. We 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.
We are requesting proposals for projects up to two years in duration for capital improvement of a space that is currently owned by the applicant or improvement for a space under long-term lease by the applicant. Leases must have at least 8 years remaining. 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. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.
The Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals that meet the review criteria described below are encouraged.
WPF has $6 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that organizations may request. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective. However, grant requests under $750,000 and spaces owned by the organization will be most competitive.
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/or are led by individuals who are members of groups with a history of discrimination or exclusion.
WPF works with Green Building United to provide optional, free, hands-on technical assistance (TA) to grantees to ensure that sustainability and climate resilience are factored into capital projects funded by WPF. Free TA is available to grantees in the planning, design, or early construction phases of their projects. TA can help organizations reduce operational costs, including energy costs; prepare for extreme weather; access financial incentives; and meet other sustainability goals. To date, support has included one-on-one discussions, design reviews with relevant professionals, and facilitated site visits to peer organizations who have addressed similar sustainability/resilience challenges. Organizations that are selected to advance beyond the written proposal stage of the review process will have the opportunity to learn more about free TA from Green Building United during their site visit with WPF staff.
Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application
Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and insights, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
An optional informational webinar was held on September 16, 2025: