OVERVIEW: The Philadelphia Cultural Fund supports arts and culture and especially youth arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts and culture, youth arts
IP TAKE: This is a premier arts funder in Philadelphia, but since it is linked to the city budget, grant’s accessibility vary over year.
PROFILE: Established in 1991, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) is a creation of Philadelphia’s Mayor and City Council and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A professional philanthropy staff manages PCF alongside arts leaders, community members and representatives of the mayor and city council. The foundation aims to “provide funds to enhance the cultural life and vitality of the city of Philadelphia and its residents.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture and youth arts enrichment programs.
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund awards general arts and culture grants for both general operating support and program support. It funds new and emerging organizations and established organizations, and it considers multi-year support too. Many grants go to small and mid-size organizations where PCF’s support can have the greatest impact. PCF also prioritizes youth arts enrichment to support specific programs that use the arts to improve the lives of local youth. The grant application process typically includes site visits and peer panels. PCF utilizes a funding formula to determine grant awards and does not want organizations to request specific amounts. The amount of funds available and grantmaking processes are affected by city budget fluctuations and emergency situations that require urgent attention.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $25,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Past local grantees include the 11th Hour Theatre Company, Bach Festival of Philadelphia and ARTZ Philadelphia.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits and has an online grants management system to submit requests. In the past, grant application deadlines have been at the end of September and at the end of March. PCF posts an updated grants calendar on its website. Direct general questions to the staff at info@philaculturalfund.org or 267-419-7641.
PEOPLE:
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