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 organizations are critical to thriving communities. They shape our cultural landscape and create positive social and economic benefits for people. Arts and culture can expand horizons, connecting us to diverse ideas and cultural backgrounds and playing a significant role in our civic and community life. However, these benefits are often not experienced in equal measure across all communities, and that is especially true for those that have withstood generations of social and economic burdens. To ensure these positive benefits reach more residents of the Philadelphia region, WPF provides multi-year general operating support so that arts and culture organizations – large and small – thrive in ways that reflect the priorities of communities around the region. We are interested in supporting organizations that meet the criteria described in our decision-making framework and center equity and inclusion to strengthen their commitment and connections to community and create welcoming and relevant arts and culture experiences for people across the region.
Opportunity Overview
WPF aims to support the general operations of artistically exceptional arts and culture organizations that prioritize community connections and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion in ways that advance its mission. We are most interested in prioritizing organizations that consistently and authentically engage historically marginalized groups and communities in their operations and programming.
We are requesting proposals for three years of unrestricted operating support. This funding opportunity is for organizations with fiscal years beginning anytime from July through December 2025. Organizations will have thoughtful strategies to strengthen their operational and programming practices to support commitments to equity, inclusion, and access; and see their sustainability in the strength of their communities. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.
Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals from organizations that meet the review criteria and additional considerations described below are encouraged.
WPF has a total of $4.5 million available to advance this objective at this time. WPF values diverse approaches to address the objective and aims to attract and fund a range of organizations. The maximum total grant amount requested cannot exceed $675,000. Acceptable amounts are calculated as a proportion of the organization’s operating expenses from its most recently completed audit. Refer to the table on page 9 for maximum allowable amounts.
Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application
Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
An informational webinar took place on December 12, 2024, with the recording available below: