The Increasing Green Stormwater Infrastructure opportunity supports efforts that advance stormwater management solutions featuring vegetation, infiltration, and landscape treatments for water management alongside their additional social, environmental, and economic benefits. The William Penn Foundation (WPF) seeks to fund projects that maximize community greening and climate resilience benefits while addressing flood control and water management for communities most in need.

Overview

Through 2036, Philadelphia is obligated to spend more than $1 billion on additional stormwater infrastructure improvements to reduce combined sewer overflows under the U.S. Clean Water Act, guided by the Green City Clean Waters plan. The Camden SMART (Stormwater Management and Resource Training) Initiative is similarly investing in a comprehensive network of green infrastructure programs and projects. Both public investments rely on revenue from residents’ water and sewer bills. The Foundation seeks to amplify community and non-profit organization expertise and dedication to green stormwater infrastructure while leveraging these ambitious stormwater plans and public investments.

WPF is requesting proposals for one- to three-year projects. The Foundation values diverse approaches from various organizations and communities and expects to fund a range of project types. Proposed projects must make a clear contribution to advancing the stated objective. Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits, and partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise are encouraged.

Funding and Benefits

WPF has $3.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that organizations may request, though grant requests under $1 million will be most competitive. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution the project will make to the overall objective. Overhead funds will be added to portions of project budgets based on a formula described in the “How to Apply” section of the WPF website.

For applicants requesting funding for capital improvements, WPF works with Green Building United to provide optional, free, hands-on technical assistance to grantees. This assistance is available to grantees in the planning, design, or early construction phases of their projects and can help reduce operational costs, including energy costs; prepare for extreme weather; access financial incentives; and meet other sustainability goals. Support has included one-on-one discussions, design reviews with relevant professionals, and facilitated site visits to peer organizations.

Eligibility

All proposals that meet the review criteria described in the full RFP packet are encouraged. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations. Organizations selected to advance beyond the written proposal stage will have the opportunity to learn more about free technical assistance from Green Building United during their site visit with WPF staff.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal. If an application has already been started in response to this RFP, applicants should visit the Proposals in Progress section in the Grants Portal to view or continue the application process. The full RFP packet is available for download. Interested organizations are invited to participate in an optional informational webinar.

Deadline and Timeline

Deadline to Respond: July 30, 2026

Informational Webinar: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET. A recording will be posted to this page following the live webinar.