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 for all eligible voters and especially low among certain demographic groups. The Foundation seeks to support nonpartisan efforts to increase overall voter turnout in Philadelphia and/or increase voting by Pennsylvania communities of color to the same level as overall voter turnout.
The Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement, compiled after every national election, provides data on the characteristics of voters. National data collected following the November 2022 election showed that the following groups were underrepresented or overrepresented in the electorate, as compared to their share of the citizen voting age population:
The above chart uses national data to show under and over-representation by race and Hispanic origin. Comparable data on turnout disparities by race in the Pennsylvania electorate are expected later this year, and we anticipate that voter turnout disparities within the state will be similar. In the city of Philadelphia, overall voter turnout has hovered around 20% of registered voters for many municipal elections. This means that only about 1 out of 5 registered voters, and an even smaller proportion of eligible voters, turn out to vote. When more eligible Pennsylvanians vote, more people have the opportunity to have their voices heard and see their interests represented.
Opportunity Overview
WPF seeks to support nonpartisan efforts that will increase the number of eligible Philadelphians who vote, increase voting in Pennsylvania’s communities of color to be at a level similar to overall voter turnout, or both. The most competitive proposals will focus on people who are underrepresented in the electorate, including by race, age, income, educational attainment, disability status, geography, or other factors that have been shown to predict lower rates of voter participation.
We are requesting proposals for up to 24 months of funding for activities taking place December 2025 – December 2027. After proposal review, WPF will hold 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 $3.5 million to advance this objective at this time. At least $1 million 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.
Additionally, the Foundation recognizes the importance of civic education and youth voter engagement in preparing the next generation to exercise their right to vote. In this RFP, at least $750,000 will be reserved for organizations focused on civic education for young people who may not yet be eligible to vote.
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, June 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET. Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.