General Info

Founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, the William Penn Foundation supports not for profit organizations working in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. The foundation is named for the 17th-century Quaker William Penn, whose pursuit of an exemplary society and understanding of human possibilities led to his founding of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. The foundation works to improve the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area by advancing dynamic and diverse communities that provide meaningful opportunity. Its goals include the enhancement of culture that is vital to a healthy community, strengthening individual organizations in their mission-driven work, and benefiting the cultural sector as a region. Its main areas of focus include arts and culture, children, youth and families, and environmental and community concerns.