Early Childhood Education
The William Penn Foundation grant supports projects expanding high-quality early childhood education for Philadelphia children ages birth to 5 to improve school readiness and long-term achievement.
Funder: William Penn Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Open application) | RFP-specific (see program page)
Funding Amounts: Awards vary; maximum is typically capped at 25% of applicant’s annual operating budget per year, with indirect/overhead costs allowed up to 25% of direct project costs.
Summary: Supports projects expanding affordable, high-quality early childhood education in Philadelphia for children ages birth to 5.
Key Information: Projects must serve Philadelphia children (birth–5) and focus on STAR 3/4 or equivalent high-quality programs.
Description
This grant opportunity from the William Penn Foundation aims to increase enrollment of Philadelphia children, ages birth to 5, in high-quality early learning programs. The initiative addresses the persistent gap between the demand for and the supply of quality early learning opportunities in Philadelphia. Supported projects may focus on expanding the supply of high-quality seats, improving financial sustainability for program operators, and strengthening the early childhood education workforce. The ultimate goal is to enhance school readiness and long-term academic achievement for young children, with a particular focus on affordability, equity, and sustainability.
