Improvement of Public Spaces

The William Penn Foundation’s “Improvement of Public Spaces” initiative is a program under its Environment and Public Space focus area, aimed at revitalizing and enhancing existing public spaces throughout Philadelphia. The Foundation, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a long-standing history of supporting community-centered initiatives that uplift neighborhoods and promote equitable access to natural, cultural, and communal resources. With this initiative, the Foundation sets a clear objective: by the year 2035, it aims to improve at least 100 existing public spaces in the city. This program underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive and resilient communities by supporting accessible public environments that serve as hubs for recreation, refuge, and social interaction. The rationale behind this initiative stems from community input and stakeholder engagement that emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in the realm of public spaces. Many neighborhoods in Philadelphia have endured decades of disinvestment, and this program seeks to rectify those inequities by investing in the spaces that matter most to local residents. These spaces include parks, parklets, urban farms and gardens, recreation centers, libraries, playgrounds, and community centers—places that are intended to be free, open, and easily accessible to the public. The Foundation’s funding may support a wide range of activities that contribute to the improvement of these existing public spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, physical upgrades to infrastructure, enhancements in signage, development of programming and activation efforts, and initiatives to build community coalitions and advocacy networks. The Foundation recognizes that sustainable and effective improvements often require a combination of design, programming, and community stewardship. As such, it encourages applicants to propose solutions they believe will best advance the shared goal of improving public spaces for all Philadelphians. Eligibility for this grant is limited to organizations operating in Philadelphia. Although the program welcomes a variety of improvement efforts, applicants must demonstrate how their proposed project aligns with the Foundation’s goal of improving at least one existing public space. Applications must clearly articulate the expected outcomes and show a commitment to serving neighborhoods that have faced historical neglect. The Foundation measures its progress based on the number of public spaces improved through its grantmaking. While a specific application deadline is not provided in the available materials, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the Foundation for further details about timing, eligibility, and proposal requirements. The point of contact for this initiative is Jazmine da Costa, Program Officer for Environment and Public Space. She can be reached through the general contact line at (215) 988-1830 or via the Foundation’s grants email at grants@williampennfoundation.org. The Foundation’s offices are located at Two Logan Square, Suite 1100, 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Applicants are advised to monitor the Foundation’s website for updates and potential submission timelines, as well as to subscribe to Foundation communications for news related to funding availability. Given the recurring nature of the program goal through 2035, it is reasonable to anticipate that funding opportunities under this initiative will continue on a regular or rolling basis.