Via the Philadelphia City Fund
Philadelphia, PA July 26, 2023 –It’s a little-known fact that a portion of the entrance fees for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend directly benefit community-based organizations seeking to address Philadelphia’s greatest needs. Roughly $250,000 generated annually by the popular race is allocated to the Philadelphia City Fund (PCF) to support its Community Fund grants, which are awarded to Philadelphia organizations that further some of city’s most critical charitable goals. PCF is pleased to announce thirteen 2023 Community Fund Grantees whose work is focused on improving health equity—this year’s theme—for all Philadelphians.
From programs that address the health of formerly incarcerated women, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and low-income families, to organizations that serve immigrants and refugees, youth experiencing homelessness, and Black preemie families, this year’s grantees are improving life for the residents of Philadelphia by helping to make Health Equity a priority across the city. This year’s Community Fund will award $250,000 to the grantees listed below, with awards ranging from $14,100 to $25,000.
The Fund has taken a strategic approach to its health equity grants. By supporting a broad range of projects -- from breastfeeding support for low-income mothers who deliver at Temple University Hospital, to scholarships that will allow Philadelphia children to play league soccer -- the grants are designed to improve health equity from many different angles, serving Philadelphians across ages, locations, and circumstances.
“‘Health Equity for All’ was made a priority by the Kenney administration, and addressing the racial, ethnic, and income-based disparities related to health equity allows us to support a diverse set of innovative proposals,” explained PCF Executive Director Jody Greenblatt. Richard Levins, PCF’s Board Chair, also noted: “Philadelphia is facing many issues that need to be addressed—from gun violence to the opioid epidemic—and we wanted to make sure that community organizations that are tackling obstacles to health equity continue to receive the support they need to make progress.”
An independent non-profit, PCF sits at a unique vantage point between Philadelphia’s philanthropic community and City Hall’s most impactful projects. The Fund serves as a fiscal sponsor for City initiatives, a grantmaker, and a resource on how to build and fund charitable civic initiatives. Many of PCF’s charitable initiatives focus on new and innovative solutions that enhance life in Philadelphia—from new ideas that improve the way City programs work, to creative community projects across our neighborhoods.
The Community Fund grants program has been funded by the Philadelphia Marathon since 2014, yet few of the participating runners and walkers are aware of their role in improving the lives of fellow citizens. “Our partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend as its fiscal agent is in itself a great example of innovation in city programming,” comments Greenblatt. “The popularity of the race and our fiscal management of the Marathon ensure a successful event that allow us to award grants that are timely and important, giving us the nimbleness to respond to Philadelphia’s shifting needs.”
The 2023 PCF Community Grant recipients are listed below. Visit https://philacityfund.org/2023-community-fund for more detail on each grantee:
- Access Matters, $20,000 to develop an online Health Equity Training Hub
- ACHIEVEability, $24,300 to support monthly vaccination clinics and education resources
- Breastfeeding Resource Center, $15,000 to provide free, ongoing clinical lactation support
- Covenant House Pennsylvania, $22,000 for general operating support
- Education Plus Health, $22,000 to support a network of school-based health centers
- Double Trellis Food Initiative, $14,500 for general operating support
- Fairmount Soccer Association, $25,000 to provide scholarships and field lighting
- Nationalities Service Center, $24,997.27 to support the Health Access Program for Newcomers
- Once Upon a Preemie, $22,000 to support the hire of a Philadelphia Engagement Lead to expand training and education around Black preemie families to area healthcare professionals
- SpArc Philadelphia, $14,100 to support a new green space for Philadelphians with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Students Run Philly Style, $16,354 to support access to physical activity and mentorship at more than 50 neighborhood-based sites
- Therapy Center of Philadelphia, $15,000 to support the provision of mental health therapy services
- Why Not Prosper, Inc., $15,000 to support a pilot program to promote health equity for formerly incarcerated women
PCF is pleased to award Community Fund grants once annually and will announce its next cycle in early 2024. For more information on the Philadelphia City Fund and the 2023 Community Grants program, please visit www.philacityfund.org.