Reducing Illegal Dumping

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at reducing illegal dumping in the City of Philadelphia. This initiative is part of WPF’s Environment and Public Space program and supports the goal of reducing annual illegal dumping collections in the city by 50% by 2035. The program is designed to support nonprofit and government entities engaged in long-term, sustainable interventions that promote public health, neighborhood quality, and equity in underserved communities. The Foundation has allocated $2.5 million for this RFP and invites proposals with a maximum request of $750,000 for projects lasting up to three years. WPF encourages applications that include diverse strategies and partnerships. Eligible projects may focus on a wide range of approaches, including enforcement strategies (documentation, citations, penalties), waste management and maintenance solutions (such as storage or workforce development), education and community organizing, or efforts to increase legal disposal options through infrastructure, education, or subsidies. Eligibility is limited to organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities or those operating under a fiscal sponsor. Government entities are also eligible. Proposed projects must take place within the city limits of Philadelphia. Proposals must show a strong alignment with WPF’s objective, identify beneficiaries—particularly from overburdened communities—and include plans for meaningful community engagement. Competitive proposals will also show feasible project design, strong partnerships, realistic budgets, and contribute toward long-term solutions rather than one-time cleanups. All applications must be submitted through WPF’s online Grants Portal by 5:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025. Applicants selected for further consideration will be invited to participate in site visits scheduled between November 10 and December 10, 2025. Funding decisions will be finalized by February 6, 2026, and projects may begin as early as February 9, 2026. In addition to funding, grantees will participate in a Learning Community, sharing knowledge and best practices with other organizations working toward the same objective. Applicants are encouraged to attend an optional informational webinar on September 16, 2025. For questions, applicants may contact Program Officer Nathan Boon at nboon@williampennfoundation.org.

Link cleanup to long-term behavior change, prioritize equity, include measurable outcomes, and be realistic about scale and timeline.