out-of-school learning opportunities – Oct 23

Posted by William Penn Foundation on September 23, 2025

William Penn Foundation issues RFP for increasing access to out-of-school learning opportunities

William Penn Foundation (WPF) in Philadelphia is committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all.

The foundation has issued an RFP for efforts to increase access to out-of-school learning opportunities. According to the foundation, decades of research demonstrate the value of out-of-school time (OST) for children’s learning and development in school and in life. Youth who participate in high-quality OST programs and activities demonstrate improved academic performance in reading and math, course grades, school attendance, and engagement in learning. Expanding the number of high-quality OST learning opportunities available to Philadelphia children and removing barriers to access (e.g., cost to participate, location of existing programs) will enable more children to participate in programs that expose them to new opportunities, ideas, and experiences.

The foundation aims to support efforts that increase the number of children, ages 3 to 8, who have access to out-of-school time learning opportunities. Funding will be limited to projects that will positively impact young children, ages 3-8, living in specific neighborhoods in the city of Philadelphia.

An OST learning opportunity is defined by WPF as a supervised program that young people regularly attend when school is not in session. Examples include academic programs (e.g., tutoring), multi-purpose (e.g., homework help, enrichment), and specialty programs (e.g., art, music, sports, STEM). Programming that takes place during the school day is not eligible for this RFP.

This RFP seeks to support the expansion of year-round (school year and summer) OST opportunities for children ages 3 to 8 (pre-K to grade 3). To be eligible for funding, organizations must have at least three years of experience providing OST programming and must provide continuous programming during the school year and summer. Programs that operate solely during the school year or summer are not eligible for funding under this RFP.

WPF invites proposals for up to three years of funding.

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 encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals.

WPF has $6 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that organizations may request. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective.

To be eligible, 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.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the William Penn Foundation website.

Deadline: October 23, 2025