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
Studies have demonstrated that arts education allows young people of all ages to connect to their own creativity, to stretch their imaginations, and express their personalities. It also develops social-emotional and critical thinking skills and helps youth build empathy and connections to others and the world around them. Thoughtfully designed and delivered arts education can act as a safe space, allowing young people to share personal stories, process conflict and trauma, and develop interpersonal and cultural awareness. These opportunities can also help older youth gain skills needed in post-secondary education and the workplace.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation seeks to support efforts that provide young people with hands-on arts education led by skilled teaching artists. Programs must exclusively serve children between ages 5 and 18. In particular, we are most interested in prioritizing support for projects that are culturally relevant and make it possible for youth to engage as leaders and drivers of their own learning experiences.
We are requesting proposals for projects up to three years in duration to connect young people in the Greater Philadelphia region with out-of-school arts education opportunities in their communities. The arts education opportunities should be driven by the young people’s creativity and interests and support their personal development and growth. These programs will primarily connect to youth outside of school time and offer opportunities to pursue arts learning at any point during the year, including the summer. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.
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.
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 $3 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 $450,000 (over 3 years) will be most competitive.
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 17, 2025: