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
Research demonstrates that time in nature provides a multitude of benefits to people, including improved health, well-being, and cognition. Most people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, want to be able to access and enjoy the outdoors. Yet barriers - including safety concerns, lack of inviting spaces or activities, and time and economic pressures - often limit access to the benefits of the outdoors, especially among people of color and economically disadvantaged people. Programs that activate parks, trails, and water can help to lower some of these barriers by fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and joy among participants. In turn, they can enhance the value of these spaces as environmental assets within a community and engender a feeling of connection and ownership of these spaces.
We recognize that there are many ways that organizations and communities can increase participation opportunities for park, trail, and water programming. We are seeking to support projects and programs that organizations working in Philadelphia and Camden believe will be most effective in making progress on the objective above. There are few limitations on a project’s approach to advancing the objective, as long as it is designed to advance opportunities for people in the cities of Philadelphia and Camden to have equitable access to high-quality outdoor programs.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation would like to invest in efforts that support park, trail, and water programming in the cities of Philadelphia and Camden. This RFP will prioritize projects that serve communities that have experienced the greatest barriers to accessing the benefits of the outdoors.
Possible efforts may include nature-based programming that draws more people to experience public spaces, to enjoy recreational opportunities with fellow community members, and to build an affinity for these spaces. Programs may be led by a facilitator (e.g., trained staff or community members) or self-guided. The most important thing is that these are programs that are shaped and desired by community members and expand opportunities for them to enjoy the outdoors. All programs must be operated at no cost to participants.
In addition to proposals for direct support of programming, we also invite proposals that will indirectly support programming such as communications (e.g., program-related marketing or public campaigns to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors) or advocacy that makes free outdoor programming more accessible.
The following will not be eligible for funding:
- Capital projects.
- Competitive sports programs.
- Programs in which participants are spectators, audiences, or workers.
We are requesting proposals for up to three years for projects that support participation in park, trail, and water programs. 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.
As noted above, 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 $2.5 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 or maximum amount of funding that projects may request, but the most competitive proposals will likely be those with total grant requests under $400,000 (over 3 years). The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the scope of the project and the project's contribution to the overall 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 evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
An informational webinar was held on Friday, December 13, 2024. Watch the recording below.