[The Philadelphia Foundation](https://www.philafound.org)

March 31, 2026

$2,500–$8,000 per microgrant; 10–15 awards expected; one-time funding

Supports artists and collaborative groups living or working in Kensington, Philadelphia, to create and present work with local partners for the city’s 250th anniversary.

--- ## Description Art Works: Kensington 250 is a microgrant program offered by the Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative to strengthen the arts ecosystem in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The initiative supports individual artists and collaborative groups who live or work in specific Kensington-area zip codes, encouraging partnerships with BIPOC and historically underserved communities. Grantees will have the opportunity to present or perform their work in collaboration with Kensington-based organizations during the summer of 2026 as part of Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary celebrations. --- ## Due Dates - Applications open: February 20, 2026 - Info session: March 17, 2026 - **Full application deadline: March 31, 2026** - Award notification: May 2026 - Public presentations: Summer 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Microgrants range from **$2,500 to $8,000** per award - Approximately **10–15 microgrants** will be awarded - Funding is a one-time grant for each selected individual or group - Funds can be used for any artistic or living expenses as determined by the grantee --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants must live or work in one or more of the following Philadelphia zip codes:** 19122, 19125, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19140 - Open to **individual artists** and **collaborative groups** (any discipline) - For groups, the lead applicant receives and manages the award - Artists must be available in summer 2026 to present their work in collaboration with local partners - All disciplines welcome; strong preference for projects engaging BIPOC and underserved communities --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via [Zealous.co](https://zealous.co/artworks26/opportunity/art-works-microgrant-kensington250/) - Required materials include: - Description of artistic practice and community connection - Portfolio or work samples - Explanation of funding need and intended project or presentation - Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee of FAI, PF staff, and Kensington community stakeholders - Award notifications will be sent in May 2026 - Selected grantees will be paired with community partners for summer 2026 presentations --- ## Additional Information - Microgrants are unrestricted and may be used for project development, living, or studio expenses - Not all applicants will receive the full amount requested; award sizes are determined based on need and alignment with program goals - Info session for applicants: March 17, 2026 (registration required) --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal (Zealous)](https://zealous.co/artworks26/opportunity/art-works-microgrant-kensington250/) - [Official Grant Page (Philadelphia Foundation)](https://www.philafound.org/nonprofits/available-grants/special-initiative-grants/art-works/) - [Forman Arts Initiative](https://formanartsinitiative.org/) - [Info Session Registration](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sYcdFn7vQ9SPKIH3jYGYfw) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Organization | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | General Inquiries | [grantmakingservices@philafound.org](mailto:grantmakingservices@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Leann Ayers | [layers@philafound.org](mailto:layers@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Kadrisse McIntosh | [Kmcintosh@philafound.org](mailto:Kmcintosh@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Marcellus Armstrong | [Marcellus@FormanArtsinitiative.org](mailto:Marcellus@FormanArtsinitiative.org) | Forman Arts Initiative |

Art Works: Kensington 250

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