William Penn Foundation Announces Grants Supporting Economic Equity

William Penn Foundation (WPF) today announced two grants supporting immediate economic relief and future work opportunity in the region. While outside WPF’s core program areas, the grants advance the Board of Directors’ commitment to supporting Philadelphia’s COVID-19 recovery in ways that are racially, economically, and socially just.

A $200,000 grant to the Philadelphia Worker Relief Fund, a new cash assistance program, will provide urgently needed financial support to residents who were ineligible for federal or state relief programs – in many cases due to the nature of their immigration status or that of a family member.

“Many of the families who would benefit most from an economic stimulus check were not included in government programs,” said Janet Haas, M.D., Board Chair of William Penn Foundation. “This targeted relief fund is integral to promoting a more inclusive financial relief effort for all working families in Philadelphia. William Penn Foundation is keen to support this; we know our city will begin to prosper only when everyone has opportunity to participate in the recovery.”

Additionally, a $500,000 grant to The Lenfest Institute for Journalism will support The Philadelphia Inquirer and partnering local publishers to produce solutions-based reporting on equitable economic recovery and job creation in the Philadelphia region.

“Relief is of utmost importance to families right now, but we must go further,” said Haas. “We look forward to learning from the Inquirer’s reporting about ways Philadelphia can transform its economy to create equitable access to family-sustaining jobs and economic opportunity for all Philadelphians.”