Preserving Urban Gardens and Farms in Philadelphia
William Penn Foundation’s grant supports research and action to permanently protect Philadelphia’s urban gardens and farms from development and legal threats.
Funder: William Penn Foundation
Due Dates: October 22, 2026: Proposals due by 5:00PM ET
Funding Amounts: Track 1: Up to $500,000 (most competitive under $300,000); Track 2: Up to $2,000,000; total pool $3,000,000; project term up to 3 years
Summary: Supports permanent protection of existing urban gardens and farms in Philadelphia from development and legal threats.
Key Information: Two tracks: Project Grants (single site) and Land Trust Grants (multiple sites, stricter eligibility).
Description
This initiative from the William Penn Foundation aims to safeguard Philadelphia’s network of urban gardens and farms, which are essential for green space, food access, and community cohesion, particularly in neighborhoods facing the greatest need. With fewer than half of the city’s active garden parcels currently protected from development or legal threats, the Foundation seeks proposals that will help permanently preserve these spaces. The grant supports efforts that address both immediate parcel insecurity and broader legal, financial, and political barriers to long-term land security for urban gardens and farms. The program is structured around two funding tracks—Project Grants and Land Trust Grants—tailored to the capacity and role of the applicant organization.
