Reduce Illegal Dumping

The William Penn Foundation’s “Reduce Illegal Dumping” funding objective falls under its Environment and Public Space program. This initiative is rooted in the Foundation’s broader mission to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region by fostering strong communities and healthy environments. In alignment with this mission, the Foundation has identified illegal dumping as a pressing urban challenge, with Philadelphia’s Streets Department removing between 5,000 to 7,000 tons of illegally dumped waste each year. The initiative sets a long-term citywide goal: to reduce annual illegal dumping collections by 50% by 2035. The purpose of the grant is to catalyze ideas and projects from Philadelphia-based organizations and communities that directly address illegal dumping in local neighborhoods. This funding opportunity responds to one of the city’s top environmental justice concerns, as communities burdened with illegal dumping often face long-standing socio-economic disadvantages. Through this program, the Foundation seeks to inspire innovative and community-based solutions that not only tackle waste collection but also reclaim neglected spaces for community benefit, such as public parks or gardens. The grant invites proposals that demonstrate actionable and measurable strategies to decrease illegal dumping, especially in areas that have been historically and disproportionately impacted. Organizations are encouraged to propose initiatives that are community-driven and tailored to specific problem zones identified by dumping data and public reporting. While the Foundation does not specify required documentation or submission formats in the public-facing overview, it makes clear that a focus on outcomes and community impact will be central to evaluation. All applications should focus on local impact within Philadelphia. Although the grant announcement does not include specific eligibility categories or funding ceilings, it implies eligibility is restricted to organizations and community groups operating within Philadelphia’s city limits. The Foundation encourages diverse approaches and remains open to a variety of proposed solutions that can demonstrably reduce waste dumping in targeted neighborhoods. There is no specific open or close date mentioned, nor is there a reference to a recurring cycle or matching fund requirement. Therefore, applicants are advised to reach out to the listed contact to verify active status and any upcoming submission deadlines. Progress toward the initiative’s goals is monitored through analysis of annual waste removal data published by the Philadelphia Streets Department and relevant municipal agencies. The point of contact for this funding objective is Nathan Boon, Senior Program Officer, Environment and Public Space. Questions about the program and eligibility criteria can be directed to grants@williampennfoundation.org or by calling (215) 988-1830. The Foundation’s office is located at Two Logan Square, Suite 1100, 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out directly for guidance on timelines, application specifics, and evaluation criteria.