Arts and Culture Capital Support

The William Penn Foundation is a private, Philadelphia-based philanthropic organization focused on fostering equitable, accessible, and high-quality opportunities in arts, culture, education, and the environment. One of its funding opportunities, the Arts and Culture Capital Support grant, aligns with the foundation’s mission to ensure that arts and culture spaces in the Philadelphia region are inclusive and supportive of historically marginalized communities. The Foundation views arts and culture not only as a driver of civic engagement but also as a contributor to economic vitality and cultural identity in the region. This funding initiative is rooted in the recognition that many existing arts and culture facilities are not adequately accessible or inclusive, particularly for people with disabilities and communities affected by systemic injustices, such as economic inequality and racial discrimination. The grant program aims to improve existing arts and culture venues, ensuring they can better serve diverse audiences and artists. Projects supported by this initiative are expected to enhance physical accessibility, foster inclusive programming, and support adaptive reuse or renovation efforts that align with these equity-driven goals. The scope of funding focuses on capital improvements to existing spaces used for arts exhibition, performance, and education. These may include renovations for ADA compliance, HVAC upgrades to support climate-sensitive artworks, or reconfigurations to create more flexible community spaces. The program supports initiatives that elevate organizational resilience through strategic capital investments that unlock new opportunities for programming, engagement, and audience development. Eligible applicants are arts and culture organizations within the Philadelphia region that can demonstrate how their projects align with the foundation’s objectives. The funder explicitly encourages proposals from organizations serving communities that have been most affected by racial discrimination, economic hardship, or other systemic inequities. The strongest proposals will demonstrate a high degree of alignment with the foundation’s decision-making framework, although specific eligibility categories or restrictions are not detailed in the available documentation. The application process appears to require direct inquiry or consultation. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Barbara Wong, Program Director for Arts and Culture, for questions regarding eligibility, alignment with objectives, or the submission process. The foundation has not provided specific open or close dates, nor has it released details regarding deadlines for letters of intent, award amounts, or evaluation criteria. Therefore, prospective applicants must initiate early engagement to clarify these parameters. All inquiries about the Arts and Culture Capital Support program can be directed to Barbara Wong, Program Director, Arts and Culture, via the general foundation contact line at (215) 988-1830 or by email at grants@williampennfoundation.org. The Foundation's main office is located at Two Logan Square, Suite 1100, 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Updates and further information may also be found via the foundation’s Grants Portal.