The William Penn Foundation’s Out-of-School Learning grant opportunity, part of its Children and Families program, is designed to expand access to high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs for children ages 3 to 8 across Philadelphia. This initiative seeks to enable 550 additional children to participate in OST programming each year through 2035, with a particular focus on underserved neighborhoods. Since 2024, the Foundation has awarded 10 grants totaling over $5.3 million to support this objective.
OST programs are known to provide critical developmental benefits, including academic improvement, social-emotional growth, and exposure to new experiences. They also offer full-day childcare, which supports working families and those pursuing education. However, access to these programs is deeply inequitable in Philadelphia, where there is a significant shortage of available slots and cost barriers remain high. On average, there are four children for every available OST program slot in the city, and participation tends to be lower among families facing challenges related to housing, transportation, and healthcare.
To bridge these gaps, the Foundation is inviting proposals from organizations that can either directly expand OST program access or improve the overall quality and infrastructure of the OST ecosystem. Funded projects may include service delivery, professional development, quality assurance systems, data collection improvements, or strategies to increase family engagement and reduce barriers to participation.
Applications open in December 2026 and close in January 2027. Proposals will be reviewed in April 2027. No pre-application steps are required, and applicants are encouraged to submit their full proposals via the Foundation’s Grants Portal within the designated timeframe. Selected projects should demonstrate strong alignment with the objective of annual capacity increases and equitable access.
The Foundation tracks progress using third-party supply-and-demand analysis for OST programming and through direct reporting from grantees on enrollment and outcomes. Applications should clearly articulate how proposed efforts will contribute to measurable increases in OST access for young children.
For more information or questions, applicants can reach out to Amanda Charles, Program Officer for Children and Families, or contact the Foundation via grants@williampennfoundation.org or (215) 988-1830.
Emphasize alignment with Foundation objectives and clarity in project rationale. Prior engagement with staff is encouraged.
