The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant program to reduce illegal dumping in Philadelphia, recognizing it as a major concern for residents, particularly low-income, Latino, and Black communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support a vibrant and inclusive Philadelphia by addressing issues that directly impact community well-being and quality of life. The program seeks to improve neighborhoods by fostering positive community sentiments, increasing property values, and encouraging outdoor physical activity, which research indicates are all positively correlated with reduced illegal dumping.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Philadelphia, especially those in areas most affected by illegal dumping. The program aims to achieve significant progress in reducing illegal dumping, with an overarching impact goal of creating safer, healthier, and more aesthetically pleasing communities. The Foundation encourages collaborative projects that leverage diverse strengths and resources, demonstrating a strategic priority on partnerships to maximize effectiveness and reach.
The focus of this grant is on projects that directly address and mitigate illegal dumping within Philadelphia. The Foundation has made $5 million available for one- to three-year projects. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in illegal dumping incidents, leading to improved public health, increased community engagement, and enhanced civic pride. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change that by tackling environmental blight, it can catalyze a cascade of positive social and economic benefits within communities.
Eligibility for this grant is open to 501(c)3 public charities, public charity fiduciaries, community-based organizations, schools, educational institutions, public-serving groups, and government entities. A key requirement is that all proposed projects must be situated and implemented within Philadelphia. This geographical focus underscores the Foundation's commitment to localized impact and its strategic priority of addressing specific, pressing issues within its home city.
