The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) today announced the award of $365,000 in grants to 27 organizations across two phases of the West Philadelphia Promise Zone Sustainability Fund (Fund).

Phase I of the Fund opened in August 2022 and was made available to applicants with a history of dedication and service to the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. Phase I focused on organizational capacity and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for Phase II opened in the fall and were available to organizations that could demonstrate their ability to positively impact the West Philadelphia Promise Zone, contribute to enhanced economic mobility, and meet other eligibility criteria. Awardees of funding across both phases are facilitating programs that address local needs in areas such as youth arts and recreation, urban agriculture and food access, physical and mental health support, and violence reduction.

The West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ), a 10-year designation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to reduce poverty and bring greater opportunity to people living and working in West Philadelphia. The initiative helps organizations work together to remove systemic barriers and connect residents to high-quality education, family-sustaining jobs, affordable housing, and health services. Since the WPPZ’s inception in 2014, CEO has served as the backbone organization for this collaborative work, providing support, leadership, and connection to resources.

Below are the 27 grant recipients:

Promise Zone Sustainability Fund Phase 1 Awardees ($10,000 per award)

Promise Zone Sustainability Fund Phase 2 Awardees ($15,000 Per Award)

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Learn more about the West Philadelphia Promise Zone