Arts and Culture Programming Grant

The William Penn Foundation’s Arts and Culture Programming RFP supports small organizations seeking to present inclusive, high-quality arts and culture programming that prioritizes accessibility and community relevance. By 2035, the Foundation aims to fund 250 programs that offer culturally inclusive experiences to people of diverse abilities and backgrounds. This opportunity is specifically for organizations with annual operating expenses under $750,000. The RFP emphasizes projects that elevate underrepresented communities, increase public access to the arts, and improve community livability through meaningful engagement. Proposals may focus on a single discipline or span multiple forms, including but not limited to visual arts, performance, music, media, literary, or folk arts. Projects must be artist-led, centered on multigenerational or adult beneficiaries, and must occur in Philadelphia, Camden (NJ), or the surrounding Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery. Projects serving youth as a primary audience are not eligible under this opportunity. Applicants may request up to two years of funding, with projects beginning no earlier than February 9, 2026. Budgets may include up to three months of planning. There is no set minimum or maximum funding amount; however, the most competitive proposals will request less than $300,000 across the grant term. All aspects of project development—staffing, planning, design, materials, community engagement—are eligible for funding. Project budgets must be reasonable, all-inclusive, and not exceed 25% of the organization’s annual operating budget, except in rare cases. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic practice, community engagement, organizational capacity, and the strength of equity and accessibility commitments. Only proposals that demonstrate "Developing" or "Strong" in categories like community engagement and accessibility will be considered. WPF expects funded organizations to participate in a Learning Community, where they will share progress and insights with other grantees. Applications are due by 5:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by November 10 and will participate in site visits between November 10 and December 10. Final decisions will be made by the WPF Board on February 6, 2026. Projects can begin as early as February 9. For questions, contact Program Officer Meghan Beals at mbeals@williampennfoundation.org.

Ensure a clear definition of intended beneficiaries, culturally relevant design, and a fully inclusive and feasible budget. Demonstrating "Developing" or "Strong" status in review categories is required.