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?
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.1
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). As one of the Foundation’s core values, addressing this inequity means that we are particularly interested in supporting programming that is designed, developed, and presented in ways that are relevant and welcoming to these underserved communities, resulting in greater access to arts and culture experiences in Philadelphia and the region.
- Rugg, G. & Novak-Leonard, J. (2021). The Outcomes of Arts Engagement for Individuals and Communities. NORC at the University of Chicago.
What types of projects will get funded?
We are requesting proposals for projects up to two years in duration that will increase opportunities for people across the region to engage with a range of high-quality arts and culture experiences.
The majority of our funding will be awarded to projects in the City of Philadelphia. However, projects in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, and the City of Camden, NJ will also be considered.
WPF funds the following disciplines: dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, media arts, music, musical theater, opera, multidisciplinary arts, theater, and visual arts.
Funding will primarily be awarded to organizations that focus on one or more of the arts disciplines identified above. Organizations that are not primarily arts and culture organizations must have a history of high-quality artistic programming and the appropriate artistic staff.
Proposals may focus on one artistic discipline or be multi-disciplinary and may have a small geographic focus or seek to provide programming on a citywide or county scale.
The Foundation seeks to support efforts that connect more people 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.
Please note:
- Proposed projects should be accessible to the general public and not for the primary benefit of artists or higher education communities.
- Projects focused on arts learning and exposure for youth should refer to the Arts Education objectives for potential eligibility and future funding opportunities. They are not eligible for this RFP.
- The Foundation will not fund a program/project that is currently supported through a William Penn Foundation grant.
What has to be in my proposal?
Projects should have activities beginning in or after February 2027. All proposed projects must:
- be designed and implemented by skilled artists and culture bearers.
- focus on inclusive and equitable opportunities presented in welcoming ways to people with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
- demonstrate an informed understanding of audience/intended beneficiaries.
- articulate a compelling explanation for how the proposed work will make tangible improvements in the quality of life for residents of Greater Philadelphia.
- unify any series of events or multiple activities with a clear curatorial premise.
- outline roles and responsibilities of partnership organizations in project design and/or implementation.
While partnerships with other organizations are not required, the Foundation encourages partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals. You may include letters of commitment from key partners as attachments to your proposal. Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
Proposals must meet the criteria and expectations described in the Proposal Review section on pages 6-7 of the RFP packet.
How much money is available?
There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that projects may request. However, previous grants range from $30,000 per year to up to $350,000 total, for terms of up to two years. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contributions that the project will make to the overall objective.
WPF has $3.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. WPF values diverse approaches from various organizations and communities to address the objective and aims to attract and fund a range of projects. At least $1 million of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that 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 Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 3:00PM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.