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Quarterly Digest
AUGUST 2026 NEWS
Announcing
$25.8 million
in grants
We are pleased to announce we recently awarded 90 grants
totaling $25.8 million across our grantmaking programs, supporting efforts to expand access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all.
Using Data to Improve: Reflections on Two Years of Grantmaking
Two years ago, we changed our approach to grantmaking. Now thanks to Center for Effective Philanthropy's Grantee Perception survey, we have data to know what’s working and what’s not.
The results are encouraging: clearer communications, stronger trust, and real improvement in how we support the work of grantees and applicants. But we're not stopping there — we're also using the feedback to see where we can do better. So, what have we learned and how are we using it to improve our work?
Program News and Perspectives
Arts and Culture
Ruth Naomi Floyd performing “Marian Anderson: A Voice of Beauty, Hope, and Change” as part of ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 Festival (Photo by REC Philly)
A Look at ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026 Festival
Congratulations to ArtPhilly on the conclusion of its inaugural What Now: 2026 Festival! From May 2 through July 2, the What Now Festival welcomed over 15,000 people to 100+ events and commissioned 34 works by and with local artists and organizations from across Philadelphia across 12 different artistic disciplines. Check out the festival guidebook to learn more about ArtPhilly and the festival projects.
Children and Families
Enhancing and Sustaining Philadelphia’s Family Childcare Providers
A new video from First Up highlights the experience of home-based childcare providers participating in the All Our Kin Business Series supported by WPF. The program helps expand high-quality early childhood education in Philadelphia through business skills training, coaching, and network development. Participants also learn strategies for building partnerships with families and communities, as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
New Resources to Help Families Access Public Benefits
WPF grantees Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) and Community Legal Services (CLS) along with The Pennsylvania Health Law Project and Just Harvest are supporting families as they navigate changes to eligibility rules for public benefit programs including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through trainings and clear, up-to-date information, these organizations aim to make sure fewer Philadelphians fall through the cracks as new rules take effect.
Democracy and Civic Initiatives
PA Youth Vote Program Grads Elevate Importance of Youth Voice in Civic Engagement
The latest cohort of youth ambassadors graduated from PA Youth Vote’s Civic Engagement Program (PACE) earlier this summer. During the event, several grads participated in panel discussions on lowering the voting age and tackling poverty in Philadelphia. WPF grantee Inti Media covered the ceremony and spoke with the youth panelists about the impact of PACE on their lives. What message do the panelists have for older generations? Read the article to find out.
William Penn Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and HealthSpark Announce Grants to Increase Pennsylvania Census Participation
The three funders invested $1.3 million in new grants to support organizations across the state working to increase the self-response rate among underrepresented communities for the 2030 Census. Grants were awarded to 22 organizations to develop and advance community-driven, place-based plans that will guide census-related education, outreach, communications, and get-out-the-count activities throughout the state.
Environment and Public Space
Community Organizations Map a Path Toward Reducing Illegal Dumping
Trash Academy’s Clean Philadelphia NOW initiative, with funding from WPF, convened neighborhood leaders from across the city to identify legacy dumping sites as part of a growing, community-driven mapping effort. A recent Philadelphia Inquirer story describes leaders’ discussion and highlights practical prevention strategies, including grantee North10 Philadelphia's bulk-item disposal voucher program, which helps reduce barriers to legal waste disposal.
Workforce Training and Services
Planning Underway for a Workforce Support Hub
This summer, WPF grantee OIC Philadelphia kicked off a planning process for a new hub that will help Philadelphians complete workforce training. In a recent blog, OIC discusses bringing together a range of organizations to design a space that breaks down barriers, builds stronger partnerships, and expands opportunities for the communities they serve.
Upcoming Dates
New RFPs Will Launch on September 9
On Wednesday, September 9, the Foundation will release 10 new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) focused on Arts and Culture Capital Support; Arts and Culture Programming; Arts Education Programming; Caregiver Supports, Climate Resilience Planning; Mental and Behavioral Health Services; Reducing Illegal Dumping: Responsive Local Government; Urban Gardens; and Urban Trees.
During the week of September 14, we will host informational webinars on each RFP covering details on:
- Funding eligibility and criteria
- Application and review process
- Timeline and key dates
On August 26, we’ll send registration details for the upcoming webinars. For more information, please visit our Funding Opportunities page.
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