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

March 2027 (full application deadline, projected)

Microgrants of $2,500–$8,000; typically 8–15 awards per cycle

Supports artists in Philadelphia’s Kensington area to create and present work for the city’s 250th anniversary, fostering community collaboration.

Applicants must live or work in specific Kensington zip codes; awards are unrestricted but require public presentation in summer 2027.

--- ## Description Art Works: Kensington 250 is a collaborative initiative by the Forman Arts Initiative and The Philadelphia Foundation, designed to strengthen the arts ecosystem in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. The program provides microgrants to artists and creative groups who live or work in Kensington and neighboring zip codes, enabling them to develop and showcase their work as part of the city’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The grant encourages community engagement, collaboration with local partners, and public presentations, aiming to foster neighborhood pride and enrich local cultural life. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Microgrants range from $2,500 to $8,000 per award. - Typically, 8–15 grants are awarded each cycle. - Grants are unrestricted and may be used for project expenses, living costs, or other professional needs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be individual artists or collaborative groups of any discipline. - At least one applicant (or the lead applicant for groups) must live or creatively work in one of these Philadelphia zip codes: 19122, 19125, 19132, 19133, 19134, or 19140. - Both new and existing work are eligible. - Awardees must be available to publicly present or perform their work in collaboration with Kensington community partners during the summer following the award (summer 2027 for this cycle). - For collaborative groups, the lead applicant is responsible for the use and distribution of funds. - Only one application per applicant or group per cycle. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Zealous.co online portal](https://zealous.co/artworks26/opportunity/art-works-microgrant-kensington250/). - Required materials include: - Brief biography (250 words) - Description of your connection to the Kensington community (300 words) - Statement of creative discipline (150 words) - Funding request and budget summary (150 words) - Statement on the impact of the grant (300 words) - 1–3 samples of work (images, PDFs, or video links; videos should be excerpts ≤3 minutes) - Applications are assessed by an Advisory Committee based on artistic merit, community connection, and financial need. - Award notifications are expected in May following the application deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Grants are unrestricted but taxable. - Public presentation or performance in Kensington is a requirement of the grant. - An information session webinar is typically held during the application cycle. - Applicants are encouraged to clearly communicate their community ties and intended use of funds. --- ## External Links - [Art Works: Kensington 250 Grant Program Page](https://www.philafound.org/nonprofits/available-grants/special-initiative-grants/art-works/) - [Application Portal (Zealous.co)](https://zealous.co/artworks26/opportunity/art-works-microgrant-kensington250/) - [Forman Arts Initiative](https://formanartsinitiative.org/initiative/art-works-grant/) - [2026 Information Session PDF](https://www.philafound.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Art-Works-Infosession-2026.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Organization | |---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | General Grants Inquiries | [grantmakingservices@philafound.org](mailto:grantmakingservices@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Leann Ayers, Director of Grants & Programs | [layers@philafound.org](mailto:layers@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Kadrisse McIntosh | [kmcintosh@philafound.org](mailto:kmcintosh@philafound.org) | Philadelphia Foundation | | Marcellus Armstrong, Dir. of Programming | [marcellus@formanartsinitiative.org](mailto:marcellus@formanartsinitiative.org) | Forman Arts Initiative |

Art Works: Kensington 250

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