OUR REVISED GRANTMAKING APPROACH: CONNECTING MORE PEOPLE TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES
Last fall, we shared our plans to review and update the Foundation’s grantmaking areas and practices, which had been in place for a decade. Our work since then helped us to understand how our grantmaking should evolve to meet the changing needs of communities across the region. After a comprehensive process that strongly centered stakeholder engagement, we are pleased to share that the Foundation’s Board of Directors has set the new direction for our grant programs and the way we’ll operate in the years ahead.
As of this summer, our approach will be focused on one central idea: Let’s help make more lives better by connecting more people to more opportunities and more resources. We will aim to do that particularly for groups of people who have often been shut out of opportunity in the past because of disinvestment, discrimination, or systemic inequities. And we will learn directly from you – the nonprofit leaders, community members, and organizations, large and small – who are the experts on what your neighborhoods, constituents, and stakeholders need.
At this time, we’re sharing a high-level preview of our funding areas and a new approach that’s designed to make the grant application process simpler and more transparent. We’re also outlining a timeline for how we’ll introduce these changes and how you’ll be able to learn more and spread the word.
In late June, we will unveil a new website and will begin a series of meetings to share more details about the specific areas of focus, along with funding opportunities that are available.
We’re incredibly energized by the work ahead and look forward to engaging with you as we implement this new approach in the coming weeks and months. Together, we can build Philadelphia’s future.