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?
Supporting community-based climate resilience planning helps ensure that communities in the cities of Philadelphia, Camden, and Chester are better prepared to reduce their vulnerability and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
The Greater Philadelphia region is already confronting the effects of climate change, and these impacts are expected to intensify. The region faces increasing risk from extreme precipitation events, extreme heat, and rising sea levels along the tidal Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Average annual precipitation could rise by up to 12% by 2050. The number of days above 100 degrees could increase from fewer than one per year historically to as many as 17 per year by the end of the century. And sea levels are expected to rise by up to 45 inches by the 2080s. Together, these changes will cause broad-reaching consequences, such as higher rates of heat-related illness and death, rising energy and insurance costs, and added strain on built and natural infrastructure.
These consequences will fall most heavily on communities already facing the legacy of decades of disinvestment and discrimination. To help communities reduce vulnerability and adapt to the impacts of climate change, WPF is supporting community-based climate resilience planning. Thoughtful planning grounded in authentic community engagement builds the transparency, trust, and legitimacy that leads to successful implementation of a resilience plan.
What types of projects will get funded?
WPF seeks to support community-driven, place-based planning processes that will enhance the climate resilience of communities in the cities of Philadelphia, Camden, and Chester. This RFP will support climate resilience planning – the process of assessing risk, engaging community members, and developing an implementable plan that will guide future resilience investments.
Proposals may request support for planning processes that address different types of climate impact vulnerability (e.g. heat, flooding, etc.) and/or planning that seeks to increase different types of climate impact adaptability (e.g. improving built and natural infrastructure; expanding community knowledge; supporting community leadership). Through this RFP, we anticipate funding projects that will initiate a new climate resilience planning process or continue an existing planning process. In either case, projects should result in a complete and implementable plan by the end of the grant period.
This RFP is not intended to fund implementation. However, we recognize that early visible action (e.g., pilot or demonstration projects) simultaneous with planning activities can generate trust, shape ideas, and build momentum that will result in successful implementation of the plan in the long-term. Applicants may allocate up to 10% of the total requested project funds for activities and pilot projects that are explicitly intended to build community trust, address urgent needs identified during the planning process, or test approaches that could inform future implementation. These pilot projects should be small-scale, near-term, and clearly connected to the broader planning effort. Examples of activities and pilot projects could include, but are not limited to:
- Distributing emergency supplies or opening cooling centers
- Installing temporary shade structures on a heat-vulnerable block
- Piloting a community alert system for flood events
What has to be in my proposal?
We are requesting proposals for up to two years of funding. Proposals should describe how the proposed work will establish implementable plans. Planning may include activities such as:
- assessing current conditions, such as vulnerabilities, needs, and assets
- developing and implementing strategies for community engagement
- identifying and building relationships with additional partners, and defining their roles and responsibilities
- establishing goals and priorities and defining the activities that will advance them
- outlining resources needed for implementation and potential funding sources
The Foundation recognizes that climate resilience planning requires a variety of tactics or approaches. Applicants may request support for any components of the planning process, including but not limited to outreach and education, community engagement, research and data analysis, and technical assistance. In describing the proposed work, all submitted proposals should:
- describe the community or population that the proposed project will serve, including relevant characteristics related to historical disinvestment and climate vulnerability, and the approximate number of residents served,
- identify the specific climate vulnerabilities that the planning process will address,
- describe the project deliverable that will be completed by the end of the grant term, and
- explain how the applicant(s) will coordinate with partners, including government agencies (as applicable).
All proposals that include the elements described above and meet the criteria described in the “Proposal Review” section are encouraged.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that the work necessary to make significant progress on this objective will be complex, and the most competitive proposals are consequently likely to be those that include robust partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise.
How much money is available?
The maximum amount of funding that organizations may request for direct expenses is $300,000. Applicants are welcome to request any amount up to that maximum. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the work required and described to complete the project.
WPF has $2 million available through this RFP to advance this objective.
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 11:00AM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.