Arts and Culture Capital Support Grant

The William Penn Foundation invites proposals for its Arts and Culture Capital Support program, aimed at enhancing existing arts and culture spaces across the Philadelphia region. The objective of this initiative is to complete 125 capital projects by 2035 that improve safety, accessibility, and inclusivity in venues vital to their artistic disciplines and communities. The Foundation envisions these projects as instrumental in elevating artistic programming, deepening civic engagement, affirming community identity, and promoting equitable access to arts experiences for all residents. This Request for Proposals (RFP) provides up to two years of funding for capital improvements to spaces either owned by the applicant or held under long-term lease agreements with a minimum of eight years remaining. Eligible projects may include renovations that improve physical infrastructure, universal or human-centered design modifications, upgrades to safety systems, and one-time equipment purchases that enhance artistic production or accessibility. While the Foundation is open to diverse approaches, all proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to intended beneficiaries and be designed to welcome people of different abilities and backgrounds. The Foundation has allocated $6 million for this RFP. Although there is no formal ceiling or floor for individual awards, requests under $750,000 and proposals involving spaces owned by the applicant are expected to be the most competitive. At least $1 million of the total funding will be reserved for organizations with annual budgets under $2 million and/or those led by individuals from historically excluded groups. Project budgets may include planning, design, staffing, materials, community engagement, and consultant fees. The Foundation does not fund capital projects that have already received funding from WPF in 2024 or 2025. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities or operate under a fiscal sponsor, and they must have received a WPF grant within the past 10 years. Projects must take place within Philadelphia, Camden (NJ), or the surrounding Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery. The strongest proposals will demonstrate organizational strength, clear feasibility, and embedded equity practices. The Foundation will provide optional free technical assistance from Green Building United to help ensure sustainability and climate resilience in funded projects. Applications must be submitted through WPF’s Grants Portal by 5:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025. An optional webinar will be held on September 16, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by November 10 and participate in a site visit with Foundation staff between November 10 and December 10. Final awards will be approved by the Board on February 6, 2026, with project implementation beginning as early as February 9, 2026. For questions, contact Program Director Barbara Wong at bwong@williampennfoundation.org.

Strong proposals will have owned spaces, clear implementation plans, proven impact on underserved communities, and alignment with sustainability goals. Partnering with Green Building United early can add value.