The William Penn Foundation’s Arts Education Programming grant initiative aims to increase access to high-quality, hands-on arts learning for youth ages 5 to 18 across the Philadelphia region. Through this opportunity, the Foundation seeks to ensure that by 2035, at least 75,000 young people who currently have limited or no access to such programming will benefit from in-school partnerships and community-based arts education efforts. Since 2024, the Foundation has awarded 32 grants totaling over $6.75 million to further this objective, reflecting its ongoing commitment to arts accessibility and youth development.
Arts education provides a powerful outlet for youth to explore creativity, develop social-emotional skills, and connect more deeply with themselves and their communities. Programs delivered in school settings can reduce disciplinary incidents and foster stronger engagement with academic environments. Community-based and out-of-school arts programs have shown positive impacts on academic achievement and graduation rates, particularly for students who may not otherwise have access to such enrichment opportunities.
This initiative is focused on expanding the availability of these programs in both school and non-school contexts. The Foundation encourages applications from organizations that can deliver well-structured, high-impact programs led by skilled teaching artists and arts educators. Proposals may involve classroom residencies, after-school classes, summer workshops, or multidisciplinary projects that emphasize creative expression and equitable access.
Applications open on December 10, 2025, and are due by January 29, 2026. Proposals will undergo board review in April 2026. Applicants are required to submit proposals through the Foundation’s Grants Portal. No pre-application or concept paper steps are indicated.
Progress toward this objective will be measured primarily through grantee reporting, including participation numbers and descriptions of program activities. Programs are expected to show alignment with the Foundation’s vision for equitable and meaningful youth engagement through the arts.
Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Hillary Murray, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture, or to the general grants inbox at grants@williampennfoundation.org or (215) 988-1830.
Emphasize alignment with Foundation objectives and clarity in project rationale. Prior engagement with staff is encouraged.
