supporting outdoor programming – Jan 29

Posted by William Penn Foundation on January 6, 2026

William Penn Foundation issues RFP to support outdoor programming

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) has issued a request for proposals supporting outdoor programming.

Research demonstrates that time in nature provides a multitude of benefits to people, including improved health, well-being, and cognition. Most people, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, want to be able to access and enjoy the outdoors, yet barriers—including safety concerns and lack of inviting spaces or activities—will often get in the way. Programs that activate parks, trails, and water can help to lower some of these barriers by fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and joy among participants. Well-run programs can enhance the value of these spaces within a community while also engendering feelings of connection and care for these shared spaces.

The foundation seeks to invest in park, trail, and water programming in the cities of Philadelphia and Camden. Programs that create opportunities to experience these public spaces deliver multiple benefits: participants gain tangible health and wellness outcomes by being active and connected to nature, and the spaces themselves are enhanced when more community members appreciate and value them.

This RFP will prioritize projects that serve communities that have experienced the greatest barriers to accessing the benefits of the outdoors, including but not limited to communities of color, immigrants, people living in poverty, members of disability communities, queer communities, seniors, young children, and others who have faced barriers to participation.

While expanding access to outdoor experiences is important, WPF also prioritize the quality of those experiences, recognizing that programs that are thoughtfully designed and effectively delivered are more likely to foster safety, belonging, and well-being. The most competitive proposals will describe programs that expand opportunities for meaningful outdoor engagement; respond to clear community interest or demand; are easily accessed, welcoming, and grounded in effective practice; foster lasting connections to the outdoors; and demonstrate thoughtful risk management, trusted community relationships, and plans for program sustainability. Proposals should demonstrate that program leads are trained and experienced in serving their communities and delivering safe, high-quality programs. Programs should be shaped by the communities they serve and benefit people who have historically had limited access to outdoor experiences. All programs must be offered at no cost to participants.

WPF requests proposals for up to three years of funding for projects that support participation in park, trail, and water programs. WPF has $2.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that projects may request, however, requests in the range of $100,000 to $300,000, including indirect costs, will likely be most competitive. WPF is especially interested in proposals from—or developed in partnership with—organizations led by people of color, smaller community-based organizations, and others that have historically faced barriers to accessing philanthropic funding.

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. Proposed program beneficiaries and program locations must be in the cities of Philadelphia and/or Camden.

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

Deadline: January 29, 2026