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.
Why is the William Penn Foundation (WPF) prioritizing this objective?
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 the people of Greater Philadelphia with opportunities for civic engagement and deep community connections, creative expression, and well-being; affirm cultural or community identity; and contribute to the vitality, economy, and livability of Greater 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 that are inclusive of communities, audiences, and artists who have traditionally not been reflected due to ability differences, economic inequity, social injustice, or discrimination.
What types of projects will get funded?
The Foundation seeks to support projects that improve existing arts and culture spaces to connect more people across Greater Philadelphia to high-quality arts and culture experiences. We are most interested in prioritizing projects that make it possible for everyone in the region to enjoy arts and culture experiences in spaces that are designed and equipped to be safe, welcoming, and engaging.
The Foundation recognizes that there are many ways organizations and communities can contribute to advancing this objective, so there are few limitations on project design or approach. A project may, for example, focus on universal or human-centered design; address safety and accessibility improvements; enhance public and community use; make improvements necessary to maintain or improve the function of the space; or other ways to advance the objective. All projects must be designed to provide greater access to arts and culture experiences that are accessible to the general public.
What has to be in my proposal?
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 of a space under a long-term lease held 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 that supports artistic production and presentation, safety, and accessibility.
All submitted proposals should describe:
- the existing arts and culture space to be improved and its artistic, cultural, and civic value to the region, including confirmation of ownership or lease terms.
- the scope of the proposed capital improvements or equipment purchases and how they will make the space safer, more accessible, and more welcoming.
- the project's intended beneficiaries and the applicant's existing relationship and engagement practices with that community.
- the role of the artistic-cultural team in shaping the project’s development.
- how the project sustains or builds on the organization's prior William Penn Foundation funding.
- a compelling explanation of how the proposed work will make a tangible improvement in advancing arts and culture opportunities for more people in Philadelphia and the region.
All proposals that meet the criteria described on pages 7-8 of the RFP packet are encouraged.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation and its partners recognize that the work necessary to make significant progress on the objective will be complex and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise.
How much money is available?
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 amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution the project will make to the overall objective. However, grant requests under $750,000, and projects in 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.
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
Interested organizations are invited to participate in an optional informational webinar on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 3:00PM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.