Arts and Culture

Explore What Now: 2026, ArtPhilly's City-wide, Multi-disciplinary Arts Festival

As part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, ArtPhilly is hosting a five-week arts festival from May 27-July 2, 2026. Attendees can expect performances, exhibitions, and other artistic programming offered by Philadelphia artists and organizations. Congratulations to WPF grantee ArtPhilly and other Arts and Culture program grantees including Bearded Ladies Cabaret, BalletX, Black Music City, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Twelve Gates Arts, Theatre in the X, and more who will be presenting their work during this important celebration of freedom and democracy.

Children and Families

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Teacher Pipeline Through Funder Collaboration

In a new blog, Program Officer Stephanie Waller discusses a statewide funder collaborative focused on the teacher pipeline. Bringing together philanthropic partners from across Pennsylvania, the group is working to address the root causes driving teacher shortages, from recruitment challenges to retention barriers, in an effort to coordinate action and amplify collective impact.

Democracy and Civic Initiatives

A Decade of Building People Power in Berks County

A recent report from WPF grantees Make the Road PA and Pennsylvania Voice highlights the power of local grassroots communities to help organizations build coalitions, develop leaders, and support civic engagement and stronger democracy in Pennsylvania.

Environment and Public Space

Advancing Land Protection and Access to Nature Across the Region

The William Penn Foundation is supporting expanded land conservation efforts across Greater Philadelphia through a $6 million grant to the Open Space Institute (OSI) for its new Greater Philadelphia Land Protection Fund. The three-year initiative will work to protect 1,000 acres of land while strengthening local capacity to conserve and manage open space. By investing in land protection and community-led planning, this effort reflects the Foundation’s commitment to preserving natural areas, supporting climate resilience, and ensuring more residents can benefit from nearby green spaces.

Workforce Training and Services

Implementing Fair Chance Hiring in Philadelphia

This spring, organizations across Philadelphia advanced more inclusive recruitment and hiring practices. WPF grantee Fair Chance Institute presented to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, showcasing efforts to engage employers in expanding career opportunities for people affected by the justice system. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia released its Fair Chance Hiring Policy Memo, offering practical, employer-informed recommendations designed to strengthen and expand inclusive hiring throughout the city.

Economic Mobility for Students at Orleans Technical College

Recently, PHL17 profiled JEVS Human Services' Orleans Technical College (OTC) and provided an overview on the life-changing programs offered on campus. With support from WPF, Practical Nursing and Clinical Medical Assistant students can access one-on-one wrap-around supports including a dedicated Healthcare Success Coach to address barriers to completing training and transitioning to employment.