Improvement of Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia RFP Grant

Improvement of Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia RFP Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: William Penn Foundation
Last Updated: March 09, 2026

Summary

The William Penn Foundation's RFP invites proposals aimed at improving public spaces in Greater Philadelphia through inclusive design. Projects should focus on enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Solutions may involve removing barriers and creating welcoming environments in public areas such as parks, libraries, and community centers. Collaborative approaches that leverage partnerships are encouraged to maximize impact and effectiveness in achieving these goals.

Overview

Opportunity Overview This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks projects that enhance public spaces through inclusive design, ensuring that all people—regardless of ability, age, gender, or background—can fully enjoy and benefit from these essential community assets. We invite creative, community-driven solutions that identify and remove barriers that prevent specific populations from engaging and enjoying public spaces, as well as solutions that design and develop interventions that make public spaces more inviting and welcoming to specific populations that might otherwise be dissuaded from enjoying them. Public spaces are defined by WPF as those that are managed, free, and open to the public. Public spaces include but are not limited to urban gardens, urban farms, parks, parklets, recreation centers, libraries, public health centers, and community centers. Improvements in right-of-way areas like sidewalks that are contiguous to the public space are eligible for funding through this RFP. Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and believes that the most competitive proposals are likely to be those that include robust partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise. Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance this objective. All proposals that meet the outlined criteria described are encouraged.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

Request for Proposals
Published March 19, 2025 Due April 25, 2025
William Penn Foundation
Two Logan Square, Suite 1100
100 North 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
williampennfoundation.org

Lunar New Year celebration in the Rail Park. Photo: B. Spause for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
The William Penn Foundation (WPF) has a long history of investing in efforts to
improve environmental conditions for residents of Greater Philadelphia. The
Foundation’s Environment and Public Space program was created to help improve
and protect the natural and built environment in communities around the region. A
full description of the Environment and Public Space program, its goal, and its
objectives can be found on the Foundation’s website. This Request for Proposals (RFP)
was created to help organizations to advance the following objective, which was
developed in consultation with many stakeholders around the region:
By 2035, help to improve at least 100 existing public spaces that
support recreation, refuge, and social interaction.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 2

The Foundation recognizes that there are many ways that organizations
and communities can contribute to advancing this objective. This RFP is
inviting proposals that will improve public spaces by making them more
accessible and inclusive for persons who would otherwise experience
barriers to their use and enjoyment.
Projects may include capital investments, operations, advocacy for policy
or system changes, or other ways to produce improvements that will
reduce barriers and encourage the use and enjoyment of public spaces.
Proposals may seek to directly implement improvements on specific
public spaces, or they may seek to facilitate improvements across a
number of public spaces. This RFP is not seeking projects primarily focused
on programming.
Proposed projects must take place in and primarily serve residents of the
cities of Philadelphia and/or Camden.
Regardless of the approach, all applicants should provide a compelling
explanation for how their proposed work will improve public spaces by
expanding inclusion and accessibility. The specific criteria that will be used
to assess all proposals can be found on pages 9-10 of this document.
Why is the Foundation using a Request for Proposals to
advance this objective?
The Foundation has chosen to advance this objective using a Request for
Proposals for several reasons. First, we believe that stakeholders across
the region have a great deal of expertise and experience that can be
supported to make progress on an objective that we heard was important
to communities in our region. We want to hear about the impactful
projects that are underway or could get underway and need funding.
Second, we want to be as transparent as possible about the opportunity
for non-profit organizations in the region to secure funding for work to
advance this objective. Third, we heard from applicants and grantees in
the past that our grant application process was overly burdensome, had
unpredictable timelines, and did not provide sufficient information about
the funding availability or the criteria used in selecting grantees. Fourth,
we heard that applicants wanted an opportunity to show Foundation staff
their work, not just tell them about it. The RFP process, including site visits
as described below, is part of our effort to address this important feedback
and to align with the Foundation’s grantmaking values (as detailed on our
website).
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 3

The William Penn Foundation has a long history of making grants to support public
spaces that are open to the public at no cost and that positively impact our
communities.
Public spaces—including parks, urban gardens, community centers, libraries, public health facilities, and recreation
areas—are among the essential elements of civic life. They serve as gathering places where people connect, learn, relax,
and engage in cultural and recreational activities. Accessible and well-designed public spaces contribute to healthier,
more vibrant communities by fostering social interaction, encouraging physical activity, and providing services that
enhance overall well-being.
However, not all public spaces are equally inclusive or welcoming to all individuals. Many historically underserved
communities face barriers to accessing high-quality public spaces due to physical, social, and economic challenges.
Inaccessible infrastructure, limited accommodations for people with disabilities, lack of culturally responsive design,
concerns over safety and belonging, among other obstacles, can deter certain groups from fully participating in public
life.
For example, playgrounds may lack adaptive equipment for children with mobility challenges, pathways and entrances
might not accommodate individuals using wheelchairs or strollers, and community centers may not reflect the linguistic
and cultural diversity of their neighborhoods. Additionally, public spaces can sometimes feel unwelcoming due to a lack
of amenities that meet diverse needs, safety concerns, or design choices that do not consider the abilities and challenges
of particular potential users, like senior citizens or neurodiverse individuals.
74% of Americans support
reimagining or redesigning
public spaces to better
represent all community
members.1
Photo: Playworld, https://playworld.com
—
1 PRRI Research: Creating More Inclusive Public Spaces
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 4

Ensuring that public spaces are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming requires intentionality in planning, design, and
policy. By prioritizing inclusive design principles, engaging communities in the decision-making process, and addressing
barriers to access, we can create public spaces that truly serve everyone. These improvements are not just about
compliance with accessibility laws; they are about equity, dignity, and fostering a shared sense of belonging in the places
we live, work, and play.
Incorporating inclusive design principles into public space improvement projects is essential for creating environments
that are accessible and welcoming to all community members, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Inclusive
design not only ensures compliance with accessibility standards but also fosters social equity, enhances user
experiences, and promotes community engagement2.
So as not to exacerbate Philadelphia’s maintenance backlog, the Foundation has recently chosen to prioritize
investments that will produce improvements to existing public spaces rather than funding new public spaces that would
require additional upkeep. We are therefore making capital, operational, and programmatic investments that will
support maintaining, repairing, renovating, and activating public spaces in an inclusive and accessible way.
—
2 American Planning Association: Well-Designed Public Spaces Are Inclusive Ones
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 5

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks projects that enhance public spaces through
inclusive design, ensuring that all people—regardless of ability, age, gender, or
background—can fully enjoy and benefit from these essential community assets. We
invite creative, community-driven solutions that identify and remove barriers that
prevent specific populations from engaging and enjoying public spaces, as well as
solutions that design and develop interventions that make public spaces more inviting
and welcoming to specific populations that might otherwise be dissuaded from
enjoying them.
Public spaces are defined by WPF as those that are managed, free, and open to the public. Public spaces include but are
not limited to urban gardens, urban farms, parks, parklets, recreation centers, libraries, public health centers, and
community centers. Improvements in right-of-way areas like sidewalks that are contiguous to the public space are
eligible for funding through this RFP.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and believes that the
most competitive proposals are likely to be those that include robust partnerships that leverage complementary
strengths, resources, and expertise.
Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to
advance this objective. All proposals that meet the outlined criteria described below are encouraged.
WPF has a total of $4.5 million available to support improvements that will expand the inclusivity and accessibility of
public spaces. At least 70% of the funding in this RFP will support capital projects.
There is no minimum or maximum grant amount that organizations may request but we expect to attract and fund a
range of projects of different types and sizes. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the
contribution that the project will make to the overall objective. We are especially eager to receive applications from small
organizations and/or from organizations that are led by individuals who are members of groups with a history of
discrimination. Projects that demonstrate a diversity of funding sources are likely to be more competitive.
Each proposal should identify the population of users and/or potential users that it intends to serve and describe the way
in which the proposed work will remove a barrier to that population’s full use and enjoyment of the public space and/or
make the space more welcome and inviting for that population.
Proposals should have project terms of 1 - 3 years and can include planning. The proposed project must be completed,
demonstrably enhancing accessibility and inclusion, within the term of the grant.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 6

Examples of eligible improvements include but are not limited to:
1. Multi-Sensory and Multi-Language Wayfinding Systems: Implementing navigation aids in multiple languages
and utilizing visual, tactile, and auditory cues can assist individuals with varying abilities in orienting themselves
within public spaces. For example, tactile maps combined with audible instructions can guide users effectively.3
2. Gender-Inclusive Facilities: Providing restrooms and changing areas that are safe and accessible to all genders
ensures that everyone feels comfortable using public amenities. This can include the design of single-occupancy
restrooms or facilities that accommodate non-binary and transgender individuals.4
3. Culturally Responsive Improvements: Designing or improving areas to reflect and accommodate the cultural
practices or pastimes of the local community can make public spaces more welcoming.
4. Adaptive Recreational Equipment: Installing playgrounds and fitness areas with equipment designed for users
of all abilities allows children and adults to engage in physical activities alongside their peers, promoting
inclusivity and physical well-being.5
5. Playful Learning Projects: Improvements that make spaces more welcoming, inviting, and useful for families
and children ages 0-8 by encouraging children to explore, experiment, and engage with their environment in
ways that promote cognitive, social, and physical development.
For applicants requesting funding for capital improvements: Applicants requesting funding for capital improvements
have two opportunities to receive technical assistance in addition to grant funding, if selected through this RFP. If you
are interested in either or both of the below opportunities, please indicate it via a checked box in the application:
1. WPF works with Green Building United to provide optional, free, hands-on technical assistance (TA) to grantees
to ensure that sustainability and climate resilience are factored into capital projects funded by WPF. Free TA is
available to grantees in the planning, design, or early construction phases of their projects. TA can help
organizations reduce operational costs, including energy costs; prepare for extreme weather; access financial
incentives; and meet other sustainability goals. To date, support has included one-on-one discussions, design
reviews with relevant professionals, and facilitated site visits to peer organizations who have addressed similar
sustainability/resilience challenges. Organizations that are selected to advance beyond the written proposal
stage of the review process will have the opportunity to learn more about free TA from Green Building United
during their site visit with WPF staff.
2. WPF works with the Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network to provide optional, free, hands-on technical
assistance (TA) to grantees to integrate intentional learning objectives and activities into children’s play
environments. This encourages children to explore, experiment, and engage with their environment in ways
that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. Free TA is available to grantees in the planning,
design, or early construction phases of their projects. TA can help organizations transform everyday public
spaces into interactive learning hubs, which foster meaningful interactions between children, their caregivers,
—
3 URBACT, “Turning Accessibility and Inclusion into Measurable Factors for Active Mobility”
4 American Planning Association, “Well-Designed Public Spaces Are Inclusive Ones”
5 URBACT, “Accessible and Inclusive Public Spaces: Foundations for Thriving Communities”
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 7

and the community. Organizations that are selected to advance beyond the written proposal stage of the review
process will have the opportunity to learn more about free TA from Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network
during their site visit with WPF staff.
Eligibility
Applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)3 public charities or operate under a public
charity fiduciary. Public charities include community-based organizations, schools and educational institutions, and
other types of public-serving groups. Government entities are also eligible to apply.
Proposed projects must occur in Philadelphia or Camden.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 8

Proposals will be judged on the criteria below. Applicants should address these criteria in their narrative responses
to the application questions.
Alignment with Objective
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
Conveys no meaningful Would make a marginal Proposed work would make a clear Proposed work would make a
connection to the RFP and/or uncertain contribution contribution to advancing the RFP clear and major contribution to
objective. to advancing the RFP objective. advancing the RFP objective.
objective.
Beneficiaries
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
Does not identify Identified beneficiaries of the Project beneficiaries are identified, Project beneficiaries are
expected beneficiaries project do not include include prioritized communities, and identified, include prioritized
of the project. prioritized communities. will significantly benefit from the communities, and will receive
proposed work. significant and major benefits from
the proposed work.
Meaningful Community Engagement
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
No meaningful Limited engagement of Meaningful engagement of Robust and sustained engagement
engagement of community in preparation of community in development of of community in preparation of
community in proposal or implementation of proposal or implementation of proposal and implementation of
preparation of proposal proposed work. project. proposed work.
or implementation of
proposed work.
Partnership and Collaboration
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
Does not address Identified relevant partners Identifies relevant partners and fully Identifies relevant partners, fully
partnerships that will be but does not describe the describes collaboration with those describes the role that partners will
necessary for success. role that partners will play in partners. play in the proposed work, and
the proposed work. provides evidence of partners’
commitment to fulfilling the roles
described such as through an
included letter of support.
Organizational Capacity
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
Insufficient evidence of Evidence of leadership, Evidence of leadership, resources, Evidence of all necessary leadership,
leadership, resources, resources, staffing and/or staffing and partnerships, and some resources, staffing, and partnerships
staffing, partnerships, partnerships, but insufficient experience with successful in place to achieve project goal.
and/or experience evidence of ability to implementation of the type of work Applicant and/or partners also have
necessary to achieve successfully implement work being proposed. extensive experience with successful
project goals. of the type being proposed. implementation of the type of work
being proposed.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 9

Project Design and Feasibility
Absent Emergent Developing Strong
Does not provide a clear, Provides a clear approach to Provides a clear approach to the Provides a clear approach to the
specific, or realistic the work, but some aspects of work and successful outcomes are work that describes the
approach to the work. the approach are vague or defined and achievable. Some organizational capacity to carry
Project outcomes and seem unrealistic. Project aspects of the project design may out the proposed project, a
success are not clear and outcomes are defined, but are require further clarification to feasible plan to implement the
well-defined. of uncertain achievability, assess feasibility. work, and a plan to track project
based on the details provided. outcomes and the impact on the
RFP objective.
Additional expectations and considerations:
In addition to overall meaningful community engagement, proposals should describe how
Inclusive Decision-Making project design, planning, and implementation will include input from the specific user
populations that the project is intended to serve.
Proposals that include strategies for the sustainable maintenance and operations of proposed
Maintenance
improvements will likely be more competitive.
Realistic Budget and
Proposals should include a clear and realistic budget and timeline.
Timeline
Proposals informed by research, best practices, and lessons learned from other successful
Evidence-Based Practices
inclusive public space initiatives will be more competitive.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 10

Grantees will be expected to complete a brief written report each year describing how
they have made progress toward the objective above and what they have learned
during the year.
In addition, organizations funded through this RFP will be convened in a Learning Community to build networks among
those advancing a common objective, to share learning and best practices, and to identify ways in which progress could
be enhanced. Grantees will help to determine the frequency, content, and specific goals of the Learning Community. The
overhead funding included with any awarded grants is, in part, meant to help subsidize staff participation in the Learning
Community.
Webinar
Interested organizations are invited to participate in an optional
informational webinar on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM EST.
Register for the webinar at https://lu.ma/williampennfoundation.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 11

Organizations are encouraged to build on their existing programs and initiatives, using
WPF funding to supplement or enhance those efforts.
Project budgets should be all-inclusive, including any fees to partner organizations or consultants. This information can
be provided in the proposal narrative.
Except in rare circumstances, total funding from WPF should not exceed 25% of an organization’s operating budget.
All aspects of project development and execution, including planning, design, materials and equipment, community
engagement, staffing, implementation, and capital expenses are eligible for funding.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 12

Before you apply, please review the questions below. If March 19, 2025
you can confidently answer “yes” to the questions, this Proposal submission
period opens.
funding opportunity may be relevant to you. If you respond
“no” to any of the questions, this opportunity is not a good
March 27, 2025
match for your project, and you should not apply.
Informational Webinar
(see page 11)
YES NO
Will your project implement or facilitate improvements of one
April 25, 2025
or more existing public spaces, as defined on page 6?
Proposals due by 5:00PM ET
Will your proposed project make public space more accessible
and/or welcoming for a clearly defined group of users?
May 7-12, 2025
Is your proposed project in the city of Philadelphia or Camden? Select applicants notified
that their proposals have
Please also review all of the criteria on pages 9 and 10 and make sure that your been chosen for further
program aligns with those. consideration and a site
visit. Other applicants
will be notified that their
proposals are not
If you answered “yes” to all of the questions above and meet the stated criteria,
advancing in the process.
the application process begins by completing a proposal on our online submission
system at https://wpf.my.site.com/grantee. Submit your application by 5:00PM ET
on April 25, 2025. A WPF team will review all proposals and will notify applicants if May 12-June 6, 2025
they have been selected to move forward in the review process. To download a
Site visits conducted by
working copy of the application to draft responses, please click here.
WPF staff with selected
applicants.
Selected organizations will take part in a site visit with WPF staff so that the
Foundation can learn more about applicants’ work. Site visits will be
approximately two hours in duration. We ask that organizations use this time to July 25, 2025
introduce key staff working on the proposed project, to show WPF staff where the
WPF Board review
work will take place, and to elevate the voices of the potential beneficiaries of the selected proposals.
proposed project. Based on a combination of the written materials and the
learning from the site visit, a final slate of organizations will be recommended to
August 2025
the WPF Board for consideration of their proposals.
Project implementation
This request or any subsequent response does not commit William Penn Foundation can begin.
or the responding organization to any future funding or engagement. If you have any
questions, contact Jazmine da Costa at jdacosta@williampennfoundation.org.
Request for Proposals: Improving Public Spaces in Greater Philadelphia 13