Community Greening Plans

The William Penn Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Philadelphia, has launched a funding initiative under its Environment and Public Space program called "Community Greening Plans." The foundation aims to support community-driven planning processes that increase and improve green space in underserved neighborhoods, particularly those in Philadelphia and Camden. The grant is part of a broader objective to establish and begin implementation of at least six community-led greening plans by 2035. This effort responds to significant disparities in park access, with communities of color and low-income neighborhoods having markedly less green space than wealthier, predominantly white areas. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks proposals from organizations that can authentically engage residents in creating plans for new or improved public green spaces. Green spaces include parks, gardens, sidewalks, or other public areas with natural elements such as grass, trees, or plants. These spaces are linked to a wide range of community benefits, including better mental and physical health, cleaner air, and reduced rates of violent crime. Applicants are encouraged to propose planning approaches that reflect the lived experiences of community members and foster a sense of ownership and engagement. The Foundation supports strategies that build community trust and promote shared visions for neighborhood improvement. Funding under this opportunity is awarded primarily through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The next RFP for Community Greening Plans is scheduled to open in December 2026 with a submission deadline in January 2027. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal and cannot be submitted via email. As part of the application, organizations are required to provide a written proposal and a project budget. The Foundation will automatically add a set percentage to cover overhead or general expenses. Applicants whose proposals advance beyond the initial written review will be invited to participate in a site visit, during which Foundation staff will further evaluate the proposal and the organization. The Foundation uses a standardized application process across all its funding programs. Proposals are reviewed by program staff, and those that pass internal review are submitted to the Foundation’s Board for final funding decisions. The expected timeline from submission to decision is approximately 90 days. The final determination on funding is made by the Board based on the recommendation of the staff, which may include insights gained from the site visit. There is no indication of a requirement for a letter of intent, concept paper, or other pre-application step. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is focused on nonprofit organizations based in or serving the Philadelphia and Camden areas. The Foundation emphasizes alignment with its objective to promote equitable access to green space. While open application submissions are possible, the Foundation strongly encourages proposals to be submitted through the RFP process, as funding outside of this channel is limited and reserved for time-sensitive, exceptional opportunities. For further information about this opportunity or questions regarding the Foundation's objectives, applicants are encouraged to contact Alison Jones, the Program Officer for Environment and Public Space. General inquiries and technical questions about the application portal should be directed to the Foundation’s grants team at [email protected] or by calling (215) 988-1830. The Foundation's main office is located at Two Logan Square, Suite 1100, 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Ensure your proposal clearly advances a specific Foundation objective; general ideas outside of stated goals may not be considered.