The Arts and Culture Capital Support grant program from the William Penn Foundation is designed to fund enhancements to existing arts and culture spaces in the Philadelphia region. As part of its Arts and Culture program, the Foundation aims to support 125 capital projects by 2035 that ensure these spaces are safe, accessible, and welcoming to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Since 2024, the Foundation has awarded 13 grants totaling $3,556,955 to advance this infrastructure-focused objective.
Arts and culture spaces—such as theaters, galleries, community studios, and performance venues—are essential not just for presenting artistic work but also for building community, supporting local economies, and reinforcing Philadelphia’s cultural identity. However, many of these venues face challenges related to safety, accessibility, deferred maintenance, or evolving needs of artists and audiences.
Through this capital support opportunity, the Foundation aims to help organizations improve physical environments so they can better serve artists, audiences, and their surrounding communities. These enhancements can include renovations, accessibility upgrades, HVAC or lighting improvements, and other infrastructure investments that increase usability and comfort. Funded projects must align with the Foundation’s Capital Support decision-making framework, which prioritizes projects that are strategic, community-serving, and financially feasible.
Applications open in September 2026 and are due in October 2026, with board review scheduled for February 2027. No pre-application steps or letters of intent are required. Applicants must submit their proposals through the Foundation’s Grants Portal.
This grant opportunity emphasizes equity and inclusion, encouraging proposals that will result in welcoming spaces for people with diverse abilities and from different backgrounds. Competitive applications will demonstrate how improvements will directly benefit users and expand the venue’s ability to fulfill its artistic mission.
For questions, applicants can contact Barbara Wong, Program Director for Arts and Culture, or email grants@williampennfoundation.org. The Foundation can also be reached by phone at (215) 988-1830.
Emphasize alignment with Foundation objectives and clarity in project rationale. Prior engagement with staff is encouraged.
