Foundation Awards Nearly $32 Million in New Grants to 36 Area Organizations

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

PHILADELPHIA (JULY 10, 2012) - The Board of Directors of the William Penn Foundation has approved 36 grants totaling approximately $32 million for a variety of organizations and projects benefiting the Greater Philadelphia region.

The largest grant went to the Philadelphia Schools Project, which received $15 million for the Great Schools Fund. The Fund aims to create at least 50,000 seats in high-performing classrooms by taking the best performing schools - public or parochial, traditional or charter - and dramatically expanding their capacity to serve Philadelphia's students. The WPF grant is expected to support at least 18,000 quality classroom seats in the next three years.

"This investment is about making the highest quality K-12 education accessible to the greatest number of children. We are optimistic that our strong support will inspire other funders to step forward with additional commitments to the Fund," said Janet Haas, MD, the Foundation's board chair.

Ten grants for more than $4.2 million will fund watershed protection initiatives across the region. The grants will help to preserve and restore key lands in the Pennsylvania Highlands and in New Jersey's Pinelands and Bayshore regions; conduct science-based research and advocacy in the Susquehanna and Delaware Watersheds; aid in implementing Philadelphia's nationally-renowned stormwater management program; and advance plans for The Circuit, Philadelphia's regional trail network. According to Haas, the grants "build on the Foundation's long-standing commitment to the region's water quality and environmental sustainability."

A diverse range of cultural organizations received 20 grants for more than $10.8 million. Grantees include large institutions such as the Kimmel Center and the Franklin Institute, but also a wide variety of smaller arts organizations that produce and present great art, including Ballet X, Interact, and the Painted Bride, among others.

A complete list of the grants approved is available here. The Foundation's next round of major grants is scheduled for November.

 

******

 

The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, works to close the achievement gap for low-income children, ensure a sustainable environment, foster creativity that enhances civic life, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. With assets of nearly $2 billion, the Foundation distributes approximately $80 million in grants annually.

 

 

Note to editors/reporters: When referring to our organization, "William Penn Foundation" (or "the Foundation" on second reference) is preferred over "Penn Foundation" to avoid confusion with the University of Pennsylvania, with which we are not affiliated. Thanks very much.