Caregiver Supports

The William Penn Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Foundation supports initiatives that seek to foster a vibrant city and region by advancing education, creative communities, and a sustainable environment. With an ongoing commitment to improving quality of life for the residents of Philadelphia, the Foundation is guided by a long-term strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty and enhancing opportunities for all families in the region. As part of its Children and Families program area, the Foundation is currently funding initiatives under the Caregiver Supports objective. This objective aims to provide caregiver support and early learning opportunities for 15,000 pregnant and parenting families with young children in Philadelphia by the year 2035. The core focus of this initiative is grounded in research that demonstrates a strong connection between the well-being of parents—economically, psychologically, and socially—and the developmental and educational success of their children. The Foundation seeks proposals for programs that address both caregiver and child needs, recognizing that interventions targeting both groups simultaneously tend to yield more substantial benefits. Examples of qualifying programs include, but are not limited to, community-based home visiting programs, parent-child joint learning experiences, and services aimed at enhancing in-home parenting practices. Programs specifically designed to support underserved or vulnerable populations, such as immigrant and refugee families or grandparents raising grandchildren, are especially encouraged. Eligible applicants must operate within the city of Philadelphia, as this opportunity is geographically restricted. The Foundation is open to a broad array of organizations and service providers that can demonstrate an effective approach to advancing early childhood development by working directly with caregivers. While specific eligibility categories are not stated in the available documentation, nonprofits and other service-oriented institutions serving families in Philadelphia are implied as eligible. Applicants must propose programs that align with the Foundation’s overarching goal and show potential for measurable outcomes in terms of program participation and impact. There is no detailed information provided about funding amounts, award ceilings, or the number of anticipated awards. Similarly, application deadlines, rolling or recurring status, and specific submission instructions are not mentioned. Prospective applicants are encouraged to directly contact the Foundation for additional information or guidance regarding submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and timelines. The primary contact listed for this funding opportunity is Amanda Charles, Program Officer for Children and Families. She can be reached at the William Penn Foundation's main office located at Two Logan Square, Suite 1100, 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. General inquiries can be directed to the Foundation’s main line at (215) 988-1830 or via email at grants@williampennfoundation.org. The Foundation evaluates the success of funded programs based on grantee reporting that includes data on activities, enrollment, and participation. While the timeline and deadlines are not explicitly defined in the public materials, organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation for clarification on application windows and strategic alignment. This grant opportunity reflects a targeted, place-based investment in Philadelphia’s early childhood development and caregiver support systems.