Outdoor Programming

The William Penn Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Philadelphia, supports initiatives that promote sustainable communities through efforts in the arts, environment, and education. A key component of the Foundation’s environmental strategy is enhancing public spaces to foster community well-being and environmental stewardship. Under its Environment and Public Space program, the Foundation seeks to encourage greater engagement with parks, trails, and waterways, focusing on programming that promotes physical activity, connection to nature, and a shared responsibility for preserving these spaces. The grant opportunity described centers on a long-term goal to support 50,000 participant program days of outdoor programming by the year 2035. The Foundation’s premise is that vibrant and well-used public spaces are safer, healthier, and more cherished by the communities they serve. By funding outdoor programs, the Foundation aims to both directly benefit individuals—through increased physical activity and connection to nature—and indirectly benefit the spaces themselves, which gain improved safety and care from greater public usage. Funding is open to projects and programs proposed by organizations based in Philadelphia and Camden. There is no singular prescribed model; rather, applicants are encouraged to propose programming that they believe will be most effective in increasing public engagement with outdoor spaces. Suggested program types include those that attract diverse communities to parks, trails, and waterways for recreation, social connection, and environmental appreciation. Examples may include guided walks, environmental education, arts in parks, or recreational sports, but the Foundation welcomes a variety of creative approaches. Spending is expected to support direct programming costs, including staffing, materials, outreach, and evaluation. While the specific funding ceiling or floor is not publicly specified, funding will be awarded based on the strength and relevance of the proposed program. Grantees will be required to track and report participant program days to demonstrate progress toward the 50,000-day goal. The Foundation emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to community needs in its evaluation approach, favoring programs that demonstrate both clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Applicants should note that funding is geographically limited to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey. Interested organizations are encouraged to develop context-specific proposals that reflect the unique assets and needs of their communities. While no formal deadline or application portal details are provided in the grant listing, questions regarding the opportunity may be directed to Michele Perch, Senior Program Officer for Environment and Public Space. She can be reached via the main Foundation email or phone number listed on the organization’s website. The grant does not specify an open or close date, and no application timeline is listed. Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Foundation directly for information on upcoming deadlines or cycles. The William Penn Foundation maintains a commitment to transparency and dialogue, and may offer additional guidance upon inquiry. All applicants should align their proposals with the Foundation’s goal of enriching public life through vibrant, well-used, and well-cared-for outdoor spaces.