The William Penn Foundation is currently accepting proposals for its Arts and Culture Programming grant opportunity, aimed at increasing access to meaningful arts and culture experiences in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. This initiative supports projects that are intentionally designed to engage communities or audiences, particularly those that have historically lacked equitable access to such experiences. The program aligns with the Foundation’s objective to enhance community connection, cultural identity, and overall resilience through inclusive and representative arts and culture programming.

This funding opportunity prioritizes performances, exhibitions, and other cultural projects that reflect the diversity of the region and seek to address inequities in arts and culture access. Proposals should focus on communities that have not traditionally been reached, including people of color, immigrants, people living in poverty, and individuals from disability communities. Projects must begin in or after August 2025 and are expected to last one to two years. Applicants are encouraged to explain how they have engaged with and understood the needs of the new communities they intend to serve, and how that understanding has shaped their project design.

The Foundation encourages collaboration and values proposals developed through partnerships, especially those that combine complementary resources and expertise. Projects involving a series of events or multiple activities must be tied together by a coherent curatorial concept. All proposals must demonstrate inclusive and equitable design and a commitment to expanding an organization’s audience beyond its traditional reach.

A total of $3.5 million is available for this funding round. There is no minimum grant request, but proposals requesting under $300,000 across two years are expected to be the most competitive. Of the total available funding, at least $1 million will be reserved for organizations with annual budgets under $1 million and/or those led by individuals from historically excluded or marginalized communities.

All applications must be submitted through the William Penn Foundation Grants Portal. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend an optional informational webinar scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. A recording will be available on the grant page afterward. For more information, applicants can contact the Foundation at grants@williampennfoundation.org or by phone at (215) 988-1830.