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

June 2026 (Annual application deadline, projected)

Recent grants: $8.9M across 14 awards (2024–2025); typical awards must not exceed 25% of applicant's annual operating budget.

Supports projects in Philadelphia to expand access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education for children birth to 5.

--- ## Description This grant supports initiatives that increase enrollment in high-quality early childhood education programs for children from birth to age 5 in Philadelphia. The William Penn Foundation seeks to address the gap between the demand and supply of high-quality early learning seats, recognizing the long-term benefits of early education on children's academic and life outcomes. Funded projects should focus on expanding access to affordable, equitable, and financially sustainable early learning opportunities, while also supporting the under-resourced early childhood education workforce. Progress is measured by annual supply and demand analyses for high-quality early learning in the city. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated/projected annual application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Recent investment: $8,925,105 awarded across 14 grants (2024–2025 cycle). - Typical award size is not to exceed 25% of the applicant organization's annual operating budget. - Grant duration and specific maximum/minimum amounts are not specified; awards are based on project scope and organizational capacity. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are organizations serving children from birth to age 5 in Philadelphia. - Projects must be designed to increase enrollment in high-quality early childhood education programs within Philadelphia. - Organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability; grants typically cannot exceed 25% of the organization's annual operating budget. - Both direct service providers and organizations supporting the early childhood education workforce may apply. - Applicants may be required to submit financial documentation appropriate to their organizational size. --- ## Application Process - Review the [William Penn Foundation's application guidelines](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/how-apply). - Prepare a proposal describing how your project will expand access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education for Philadelphia children aged birth to 5. - Ensure your request aligns with the 25% of annual operating budget rule. - Gather required financial documentation as outlined in the application instructions. - Submit your application through the [William Penn Foundation grants portal](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/). --- ## Additional Information - High-quality seats are defined as those in programs with a Keystone STAR rating of 3 or 4, or those participating in Head Start or School District of Philadelphia-sponsored programs. - The Foundation prioritizes projects that are affordable and equitable for families, financially sustainable for providers, and supportive of the early childhood workforce. --- ## External Links - [Program Objective & Details](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/early-childhood-education) - [How to Apply](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/how-apply) - [Funding Opportunities](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/funding-opportunities) - [Grants Portal](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | More Info | |----------------|------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------|-----------| | Kellie Brown | Senior Program Officer, Children and Families | grants@williampennfoundation.org | (215) 988-1830 | [Profile](https://williampennfoundation.org/profile/kellie-brown) | ---

Early Childhood Education - William Penn Foundation

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