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
Through the Democracy and Civic Initiatives program, the William Penn Foundation (WPF) seeks to build trust and participation, particularly among underrepresented communities, in Pennsylvania’s democratic processes. Elections are a keystone of our system of government, but often, voter participation rates are low across the board and especially low among certain demographic groups. The Foundation seeks to support nonpartisan efforts to increase the number of eligible Pennsylvanians who vote, especially members of underrepresented groups.
The Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement, conducted after every national election, provides data on the characteristics of voters. This analysis helps to describe whose participation in the election was lower than their percentage of the voting age population. Data collected following the November 2022 election showed that the following groups were underrepresented in the electorate, as compared to their share of the citizen voting age population:
- Young people, aged 18-29
- People of color, especially Hispanic and Latino/a people
- Naturalized citizens
- People who have not attended college (inclusive of those with and without high school diplomas)
- People with annual family incomes below $50,000
The same populations were similarly underrepresented in the November 2020 electorate.
Opportunity Overview
WPF seeks to support nonpartisan efforts that increase the number of eligible Pennsylvanians who vote and decrease the racial gap in voter turnout. The most competitive proposals will focus on people who are underrepresented in the electorate as defined by race, age, income, educational attainment, family income or other factors that have been shown to predict lower rates of voter participation.
We are requesting proposals for up to 20 months of funding for activities taking place May 2025 – December 2026. 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.
Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals that meet the review criteria described below are encouraged.
WPF has allocated $2.5 million to advance this objective at this time. At least half 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 evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
An informational webinar took place on December 13, 2024, with the recording available below.