Climate Resilience Planning Grant

The William Penn Foundation is offering a funding opportunity under its Environment and Public Space program titled Climate Resilience Planning. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is focused on advancing community-based planning efforts that will strengthen the climate resilience of neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia. The goal of this initiative is to support the completion and initiation of implementation of at least 15 climate resilience plans by 2035. This funding round is dedicated strictly to the planning phase, and a separate future opportunity will support plan implementation. Eligible proposals must take place within the cities of Philadelphia, Chester, or Camden. Projects may focus on citywide strategies or specific communities within these urban areas. The Foundation welcomes diverse approaches to planning, including those that address distinct climate vulnerabilities such as extreme heat, flooding, or sea level rise, and those that seek to improve infrastructure, build community leadership, or enhance public understanding. Funding is available for a range of planning activities, including education, outreach, community engagement, technical assistance, and capacity-building efforts. However, proposals focused on implementation or capital expenditures are not eligible. The RFP encourages robust partnerships, particularly among organizations that can collectively offer community trust, technical expertise, and implementation readiness. The strongest proposals will include meaningful community involvement in both the development and execution of the plan, particularly when serving historically disinvested populations. Applications must define the community to be served, identify specific climate vulnerabilities, describe the project deliverables, and explain how the work will lead to a viable, implementable plan. The Foundation has allocated $1.5 million in total funding for this opportunity. Organizations may request up to $300,000 for projects lasting no more than two years. Budgets should be reasonable and inclusive, accounting for partner fees, stipends, materials, staffing, and other related planning costs. Plan development deliverables are expected by the end of the funding period unless a longer pathway is clearly described. WPF funding should not exceed 25% of the applicant’s total operating budget. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025, and must be submitted through the Foundation’s Grants Portal. An optional informational webinar will be held on September 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. Applicants selected to proceed will participate in site visits from November 10 to December 10, 2025. Final funding decisions will be made by February 6, 2026, with project work beginning as early as February 9, 2026. All funded organizations will also participate in a Learning Community facilitated by the Foundation. For questions, applicants should contact Alison Jones at ajones@williampennfoundation.org.

Strong applications demonstrate community involvement, benefit historically disinvested populations, include robust partnerships, and provide a clear timeline and feasibility for plan development. Budget must not exceed 25% of applicant's operating budget.