Environment and Public Space Program

The Environment and Public Space program of the William Penn Foundation is an initiative focused on addressing the environmental challenges and public space inequities faced by communities in Greater Philadelphia. With an emphasis on areas historically affected by systemic disinvestment and environmental burdens, the Foundation aims to support projects that reduce these burdens, improve public and natural spaces, and bolster resilience to climate change. Through targeted strategies, this grant program envisions measurable progress by 2035, including reductions in illegal dumping, sewage overflows, and significant increases in land conservation, community greening plans, urban trees, and investments in parks. Eligible projects should align with three strategic pillars: reducing environmental burdens (e.g., illegal dumping, stormwater issues), expanding equitable access to quality public spaces (e.g., parks, trails, libraries), and strengthening resilience to climate impacts (e.g., community-based climate plans, tree canopy expansion). The Foundation seeks to invest in work that creates cleaner waterways, safer green spaces, and community infrastructure that supports recreation, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Organizations may apply through either a Request for Proposal (RFP) or the open application process. While most grants are awarded via RFPs, proposals submitted outside of that process are accepted on a rolling basis if they address urgent opportunities or gaps. Regardless of the method, all applicants use a standardized application and must include a detailed narrative, organizational demographics, financial data, and a project budget. Overhead costs are supported through an automatic allocation (ranging from 15% to 25%) added by the Foundation to direct project support. The Foundation evaluates proposals against a clear set of criteria, including alignment with Environment and Public Space objectives, identification and inclusion of prioritized communities as beneficiaries, organizational capacity, community engagement, project feasibility, and meaningful partnerships. Applicants should also demonstrate community awareness of and involvement in the proposed work. The evaluation includes a site visit for advancing applicants and Board review of final funding decisions. Typical decisions are made within 90 days of submission. Applicants are advised to contact specific program officers for content-related inquiries or email grants@williampennfoundation.org for general application or portal support. All proposals must be submitted through the Foundation’s Grants Portal, and the application process includes narrative components, financial documentation, a result statement, and additional attachments if applicable. No lobbying activities may be supported directly with Foundation funds, and applicants must account for any such activities separately.

Applicants should clearly align with EPS objectives, demonstrate community demand, and provide evidence of implementation capacity.