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

September 2025 (RFP) | Rolling (Open application)

Recent grants range up to ~$500,000+; typical duration 1–2 years; indirect costs up to 25% allowed.

Supports projects that expand and improve access to out-of-school programs for children ages 3–8 in underserved Philadelphia communities.

Focused on Philadelphia region; RFP is primary route but open applications accepted for urgent needs.

--- ## Description The William Penn Foundation’s Out-of-School Learning objective seeks to increase access to high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs for children ages 3 to 8, particularly in underserved areas of Philadelphia. The Foundation funds projects that expand OST program capacity, improve program quality, and address barriers to participation such as cost, availability, and family needs. Efforts may include direct support for OST programs, professional development for staff, data and evaluation tools, or other innovative approaches that help more young children participate in enrichment opportunities outside of school hours. The Foundation measures progress through third-party analysis and grantee reporting on enrollment and participation. --- ## Due Dates - **September 2025**: Next expected RFP deadline for "Increasing Access to Out-of-School Learning Opportunities" (Children and Families Program). [See RFP archive for prior cycles.](https://williampennfoundation.org/requests-proposals-archive) - **Rolling**: Open application submissions are accepted at any time for urgent or time-sensitive opportunities that cannot wait for the next RFP cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size**: Recent awarded grants in this objective have ranged up to $500,000 or more, typically for 1–2 year projects. - **Indirect Costs**: The Foundation allows up to 25% of direct project costs for overhead, with the exact rate determined by organizational budget size. - **Total Funding**: Since 2024, $9.5 million has been awarded across 17 grants for this objective. --- ## Eligibility - **Geography**: Projects must primarily serve Philadelphia or the surrounding region. - **Applicant Type**: Nonprofit organizations; fiscal sponsorship is allowed (the fiscal sponsor must be a 501(c)(3) and is the legal applicant/grantee). - **Project Focus**: Must align with the objective of increasing access to OST programs for children aged 3–8, with a focus on underserved communities. - **Financial Documentation**: All applicants must provide financial statements; requirements vary by organization size (audit, review, compilation, or internal). - **Funding Limit**: The Foundation will not fund more than 25% of an organization's annual operating budget for more than three years in any five-year period. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Objective**: Confirm alignment with the [Out-of-School Learning objective](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/out-school-learning). 2. **Monitor RFPs**: The main route is via RFP, typically released with a September deadline. [Check for open RFPs here.](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/funding-opportunities) 3. **Open Application**: For urgent or unique opportunities, submit at any time via the [Grants Portal](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/). 4. **Create Account**: Register on the Foundation’s online portal to submit your application. 5. **Submit Proposal**: Complete the standard application (including budget and required financial documentation). 6. **Review & Decision**: Applications are reviewed by staff, with site visits for advancing proposals; decisions typically within 90 days. --- ## Additional Information - **Indirect/Overhead Costs**: Automatically included in grants, up to 25% of direct costs. - **Fiscal Sponsorship**: Permitted; the fiscal sponsor is the legal grantee. - **Multiple Applications**: Organizations may apply to multiple RFPs in a cycle if eligible. - **Reporting**: Grantees must provide progress and participation data; Foundation may use third-party evaluators. --- ## External Links - [Out-of-School Learning Objective](https://williampennfoundation.org/objective/out-school-learning) - [Children and Families Program Overview](https://williampennfoundation.org/program/children-and-families) - [How to Apply for Grants](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/how-apply) - [Funding Opportunities (Current RFPs)](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/funding-opportunities) - [Grants Portal (Application Submission)](https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee/s/login/) - [FAQ for Applicants](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/frequently-asked-questions) - [See Awarded Grants](https://williampennfoundation.org/funding/awarded-grants) - [Contact Amanda Charles, Senior Program Officer](https://williampennfoundation.org/profile/amanda-charles) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Amanda Charles | Senior Program Officer | [acharles@williampennfoundation.org](mailto:acharles@williampennfoundation.org) | | | Grants Team | General Inquiries | [grants@williampennfoundation.org](mailto:grants@williampennfoundation.org) | (215) 988-1830 |

Out-of-School Learning

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