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
Engaging with the arts—whether creating or consuming art or practicing cultural traditions—builds a sense of connection among participants or within community; reinforces cultural identities; and improves community livability and resilience. However, we acknowledge that these experiences and benefits are unevenly distributed to individuals and in communities, especially those that have been historically under-resourced (i.e. communities of color, immigrants, people living in poverty, and members of disability communities). To address this inequity, we are particularly interested in supporting programming that is designed, developed, and presented in ways that are relevant and welcoming to these communities, resulting in greater access to arts and culture experiences in Philadelphia and the region.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation seeks to support efforts that connect more Philadelphians to high-quality arts and culture experiences that reflect the cultural diversity of the region and contribute to its vibrancy. We will prioritize support for performances, exhibitions, and other arts and culture projects designed to address historic inequities of access to arts and culture experiences.
We are requesting proposals for 1-2-year projects that will increase opportunities for people across the region to engage with a range of high-quality arts and culture experiences. This funding opportunity is for activities beginning in or after August 2025. Proposed projects must focus on inclusive and equitable opportunities that seek to extend programming beyond an organization’s traditional or core audience. Proposed projects should make arts and culture experiences accessible to communities that have not been previously engaged and/or increase audience diversity more broadly. Applicants should explain how their understanding of the needs, interests, and perspectives of a newly engaged community has been developed and how it has informed the proposed work. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of applicants.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals. Proposals that include a “series” or multiple activities must be unified by a clear curatorial premise.
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 criteria described below are encouraged.
WPF has a total of $3.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. WPF values diverse approaches from various organizations and communities to address the objective. We aim to attract and fund a range of projects. There is no minimum amount of funding that projects may request but the most competitive proposals will likely be those with total grant requests under $300,000 (over 2 years). The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective.
At least $1 million of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that have budgets under $1 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, March 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET. Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.