The William Penn Foundation (WPF) is inviting proposals for its Community-Driven Green Space Plans initiative, aimed at creating equitable green space in underserved urban neighborhoods. The program seeks to address historical inequities in access to nature by enabling communities in Philadelphia and Camden to develop comprehensive, community-driven plans for green space improvements. These plans should be shaped by meaningful resident involvement to ensure that projects reflect community needs and priorities while mitigating potential negative outcomes such as gentrification and displacement.

This RFP supports efforts that lead to the completion of actionable community greening plans within one to two years. Grants may be used for various planning activities, including community engagement, outreach, research, partnership-building, and technical assistance. Proposals may also include small-scale, early action projects intended to foster community buy-in or test ideas that inform the overall plan. The funding is strictly for planning and does not cover the implementation of plans, which will be supported through a future RFP.

Proposals must focus on communities in census tracts designated as overburdened and underserved according to the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Applicants may initiate new plans or complete existing ones using grant funds. Partnerships that leverage the strengths and resources of multiple organizations are encouraged, as they are seen as crucial to achieving meaningful progress toward equitable green space access.

WPF has allocated $2 million for this initiative, with grant requests under $300,000 expected to be most competitive. Funding requests should be proportionate to the project’s scope and its alignment with the initiative’s objectives. Applications must be submitted through the WPF Grants Portal by January 31, 2025, and interested organizations can access a full RFP packet for detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application templates.

To assist prospective applicants, WPF will host an optional informational webinar on December 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET, with a recording available afterward. This opportunity provides a platform for communities to collaboratively envision and plan green spaces that support environmental sustainability and economic growth while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and equity for residents.