Feet First Philly’s Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant

The Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant is offered by Feet First Philly, a program of the Clean Air Council, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. The grant program is designed to support community-led projects that improve neighborhood public spaces and foster pedestrian safety across Philadelphia. The initiative addresses longstanding inequities in investment in the built environment, particularly in neighborhoods outside of Center City where disrepair, lack of green space, unsafe crossings, and high levels of disinvestment have limited residents’ access to safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces. Through this program, local residents and organizations are empowered to create healthier and safer communities by enhancing public spaces. The purpose of the mini-grant is to provide funding and technical support to help residents and organizations overcome barriers when creating public space improvements. Award amounts range from $500 to $2,000. Funding may be used for a wide variety of eligible expenses such as stipends, staff time, educational materials, events, construction materials, insurance, and other project-related needs. Examples of eligible projects include pedestrian plazas, sidewalk repair, parklets, art installations, daylighting, stewardship efforts, mural crosswalks, lighting improvements, and educational programming. Priority is given to projects located along the City’s High Injury Network, where a disproportionate number of pedestrian deaths and severe injuries occur, as well as in neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence. The program emphasizes projects that deliver broad public benefit, demonstrate meaningful community engagement, and maximize accessibility. Applications are evaluated on criteria such as community involvement, long-term positive impact, feasibility of completion within the grant period, accessibility to a wide range of users, and safety improvements for vulnerable road users. Eligible applicants include organizations, businesses, and individuals. The project site must be located on public property or otherwise be accessible to the public free of charge. Applicants who require permits must also secure appropriate insurance, which can be funded through the grant. The application period for the 2025 cycle is currently open, with a submission deadline of October 1, 2025. Award announcements are expected by late 2025. Funded projects must be implemented during the January–August 2026 grant period. Awardees are required to submit a status report by June 15, 2026, which includes a project sketch or design update. A final report is due by August 31, 2026, and must include proof of expenditures, project designs or photos, and a summary of community benefits. These reporting requirements ensure accountability and enable the program to track impact across neighborhoods. Applicants are encouraged to participate in information sessions to strengthen their proposals. A mini-grant webinar is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 12 PM, and individual consultation sessions will be available from August 4 through September 22, 2025. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive technical guidance before submission. The application is completed through a Google Form, with applicants required to submit basic organizational information, a project narrative, a timeline, a budget, and details on community engagement and public benefit. Questions and assistance requests should be directed to the program manager, Sarah Hecht, at shecht@cleanair.org. The funders encourage proposals from historically underserved communities, including immigrant groups, people of color, low-income communities, and people with disabilities. By funding grassroots-led projects, the Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant program supports clean, green, safe, and connected public spaces, contributing to improved physical and mental health outcomes and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.

Attend August 20, 2025 webinar; schedule optional one-on-one consultations between August 4 and September 22, 2025