[William Penn Foundation](https://williampennfoundation.org)

April 2026

Up to $1 million per project over two years; $5 million total available (anticipated).

Supports projects that expand access to high-quality early childhood education for Philadelphia children (birth to age five), aiming to increase enrollment and improve educational outcomes.

Funding cannot exceed 25% of an organization's annual operating budget in most cases.

--- ## Description This opportunity from the William Penn Foundation aims to increase the enrollment of Philadelphia children, birth to age five, in high-quality early learning programs. The grant responds to a persistent gap between the demand for quality early learning and the current supply—currently, less than half of available seats are rated as “high-quality.” Funding is intended for projects that expand access to affordable, equitable, and financially sustainable early childhood education, as well as initiatives that strengthen the early childhood education workforce in Philadelphia. The Foundation measures progress through annual supply and demand analyses, with the goal of increasing the proportion of high-quality early learning opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (anticipated/projected): Full application/proposal submission deadline (proposals due by 5:00PM ET) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $1 million per project for direct expenses over two years (not including overhead). - $5 million total anticipated to be awarded through this RFP. - Overhead (indirect) costs: 15–25% of direct project costs (determined by the Foundation based on organization’s annual budget). - Funding generally cannot exceed 25% of an organization’s annual operating budget. - At least $1 million of the total will be reserved for organizations with budgets under $1 million/year and/or those led by individuals from historically excluded groups. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities or operate under a public charity fiscal sponsor; government entities are also eligible. - Projects must serve Philadelphia families with children ages birth to five. - Projects must focus on early childhood education (ECE) programs in Philadelphia and use STAR 3 or 4 ratings as the measure of high quality. - Projects must impact more than one ECE program or provider. - Ineligible: tuition scholarships, loan repayment, independent research/data analysis, projects benefiting only a single provider, statewide advocacy, or projects not using STAR 3 or 4 as the quality measure. --- ## Application Process 1. Review the program objective and eligibility criteria on the [program page](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/early-childhood-education). 2. Prepare and submit a proposal through the [Foundation’s online portal](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/) by the anticipated deadline. 3. Required materials include a completed application, project narrative, and financial documentation (type depends on organization size; see [FAQ](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/frequently-asked-questions)). 4. Proposals are reviewed by Foundation staff; selected applicants are invited to a site visit. 5. Final recommendations are made to the Foundation’s Board for funding decisions. --- ## Additional Information - Overhead/indirect costs are added to project budgets (15–25% of direct costs). - Fiscal sponsorship is permitted; the fiscal sponsor must be the legal grantee. - All projects should be evidence-based, support diversity, and focus on traditionally marginalized communities. - Grantees will participate in a Learning Community and provide annual reports. - Projects may include up to three months for planning within the two-year period. --- ## External Links - [Early Childhood Education Objective](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/early-childhood-education) - [How to Apply](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/how-apply) - [Funding Opportunities](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/funding-opportunities) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/frequently-asked-questions) - [Grants Portal (Apply)](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Grants Team | [grants@williampennfoundation.org](mailto:grants@williampennfoundation.org) | (215) 988-1830 | | Program Officer (RFPs) | See RFP or program page for contact info | | For project-specific questions, contact the program officer listed on the [objective](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/early-childhood-education) or RFP page. For portal or application questions, contact the grants team above.

Early Childhood Education

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