Grantmaking Programs (Children and Families - Early Childhood Education)

Grantmaking Programs (Children and Families - Early Childhood Education) is sponsored by William Penn Foundation. The William Penn Foundation offers grants within its Children and Families program, specifically focusing on Early Childhood Education.

Children and Families | William Penn Foundation Democracy and Civic Initiatives Environment and Public Space Workforce Training and Services Understand Our Grantmaking Frequently Asked Questions Program Advisory Committees Supporting the healthy development and academic success of young Philadelphians.

Awarded Grants | May 2026 Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Teacher Pipeline Through Funder Collaboration Awarded Grants | February 2026 Decision-Making Framework Children and Families Program For young children to have a better start in life and be school-ready, they need strong foundations.

Our Children and Families Program is designed to address the most pressing issues facing Philadelphia children ages 0 to 8, their families and caregivers, and the systems that are intended to serve them. We want to expand the availability of high-quality, early childhood educational opportunities and more learning opportunities during out-of-school time.

We want to make sure young learners have the teachers they need – teachers who are well trained and effective, share lived experiences with their students, and stay in the profession. We want to help make sure families have stable places to live and can access mental and behavioral health resources and the public benefits they are eligible for.

We want to support efforts to increase equitable public funding for the public services that support children and families. Children and Families Team See All Awarded Children and Families Grants Program Advisory Committee We expand programs and supports that improve well-being and economic security for children and families.

By 2035, Foundation funded efforts will connect 25,000 families with young children with public benefits and tax credits worth at least $75 million. By 2035, Foundation funded efforts will prevent homelessness for 10,000 families with young children. By 2035, the Foundation will fund programming that provides caregiver supports and opportunities for early learning for 15,000 pregnant and parenting families with young children.

Mental and Behavioral Health Services By 2028, make at least 10 investments related to accessing mental and behavioral health services for young children and caregivers experiencing service shortages; these investments will help inform future Foundation investments. We increase access to high-quality education and enrichment opportunities for young children in Philadelphia.

Early Childhood Education By 2035, more than 60% of Philadelphia children, birth to 5, are enrolled in high-quality early childhood education. Through 2035, enable 550 additional children to participate in out-of-school learning opportunities each year, particularly in underserved areas of the city.

By 2035, the percentage of certified K-12 teachers in Philadelphia will increase and the racial/ethnic make up of the city's teaching workforce will be more reflective of its students. We support advocacy efforts to advance adequate and equitable public funding for child-serving systems.

Advocacy for Child-serving Systems By 2035, increase public funding for child-serving systems (early childhood education, early intervention, K-12 education, home visiting, out-of-school time) by $6. 4 billion. Children and Families Team Workforce Training and Services See All Awarded Children and Families Grants Use our search tool and filter by Children and Families to see previously awarded grants and grantees.

Click 'How to Apply for a Grant' to learn about our application process. If the Children and Families program isn’t a match for you, explore our other programs to find what's right for your organization. Program Advisory Committee The Children and Families program is supported by a Program Advisory Committee, which provides knowledge, expertise, experience, and insight to inform the judgment of Program staff.

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