Neighborhood Celebration Grants Fund

The Philadelphia 2026 Neighborhood Celebration Grants Fund is an initiative administered by the Philadelphia City Fund, established in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and generously supported by PECO and Exelon Corporation. This fund is part of the city’s broader effort to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary during the year 2026, aligning with a series of landmark events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Wawa Welcome America Festival 4th of July Concert, and the MLB All Star Game. Under the leadership of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the program reflects the administration’s vision for a unified, celebratory experience that includes not only large-scale events but also hyperlocal, community-driven festivities across Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods and City Council districts. The core objective of the grant program is to uplift and enhance neighborhood-led events that showcase the cultural richness, talents, and civic pride of Philadelphia’s communities. Through this program, the city intends to ensure that the benefits of this historic milestone—economic, cultural, and civic—are shared by residents in every part of Philadelphia. Funded celebrations should foster community connection and provide opportunities for local entertainment, artistic expression, and cultural commemoration. Events may range from art and cultural exhibitions to performances, historical commemorations, and neighborhood beautification projects. A total of $1,000,000 in funding has been allocated for the initiative, with grant awards expected to range from $25,000 to $100,000. All funded activities must occur during the 2026 calendar year. Applicants are expected to demonstrate plans for community engagement and input in both the planning and execution of their proposed events. Additionally, all events are required to include accessibility planning to ensure inclusive participation. Eligibility is strictly limited to charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status or those working under a fiscal sponsor that holds such status. Applicants must be located within the city of Philadelphia, and all funded activities must take place within city limits. The grant explicitly prohibits the use of funds for lobbying, political activity, staff salaries, staff development, or general operating costs. The awards are one-time grants with no commitment for future funding from either the Fund or the City of Philadelphia. The application window for the grant opened on March 27, 2026, and will close on April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must submit their proposals using the official online submission form. Questions regarding the grant may be submitted via email by April 10, 2026, and responses will be publicly posted on or before April 17, 2026. Grantees will be notified of their awards by May 22, 2026. All selected applicants will be required to comply with reporting and monitoring requirements, including submission of financial narratives and expenditure documentation.