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 shows that when families have safe, consistent places to live, children experience better health, stronger development, and improved school outcomes. In contrast, frequent moves, eviction threats, or periods of homelessness increase stress, disrupt routines, and raise the risk of illness and developmental delays. Housing instability affects children’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive.
Recognizing the importance of housing security, the City of Philadelphia has taken significant steps to address housing instability including but not limited to, the Eviction Diversion program, Foreclosure Prevention Grant program, and Mayor Cherelle Parker’s HOME initiative. While these efforts hold promise, many families still struggle to find and keep affordable housing. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and a shortage of low-cost homes have created significant pressure, especially for households with young children. Many families spend a large share of their income on rent, leaving little for essentials like food, transportation, and childcare. When families lose their housing or live in unsafe or overcrowded conditions, children’s health and learning suffer. Addressing these challenges requires both short-term supports to keep families housed and long-term investments to make housing affordable and stable for all.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation seeks to support efforts that increase access to interventions that prevent homelessness for families with young children. Funding will be limited to projects that will positively impact families with young children, ages 0-8.
Funding may be directed to efforts that provide critical, in-time supports that help stabilize a family’s housing in the short-term and/or strategies that promote long-term stability. Examples of projects eligible for this funding include but are not limited to: providing eviction diversion, foreclosure prevention, home repair services, and projects that seek to make change on a systems level.
Please note, under this RFP, the Foundation will only consider proposals to support interventions focused on preventing homelessness. Programs focused on services to people who are already experiencing homelessness, new housing development, and/or first-time home buyer programs are not eligible for this opportunity. We will also not consider programs focused on providing access to mental and behavioral health supports, public benefits and tax credits, and job training or placement, although applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how they collaborate with programs that support these activities. We encourage applications to include how this project would support or enhance other services the organization, and its partners, provide.
We are requesting proposals for up to three years of funding. 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 $4 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective. The maximum amount of funding that organizations may request for direct expenses is $800,000 over three years. (This does not include the overhead amount that will be added to project budgets, based on a formula described on the “How to Apply” section of our website).
At least $500,000 of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that have budgets under $2 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 Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 3:00PM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.