As one of the four community engagement initiatives to celebrate its second century of service to the community, Philadelphia Foundation announced the first-of-its kind grantmaking initiative, the $1 million Key to Community Grant. 

The public voting period for finalists for the grants begins today, July 8, and will run through July 26. 

The general public will be given the opportunity to vote and select nine winners from a list of published nonprofit finalists in three categories: Economic Prosperity, the Opportunity Divide, and Community and Civic Engagement.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the entire Greater Philadelphia region to vote for inspiring initiatives that are based around building stronger communities,” Pedro Ramos, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation, said in a press release. 

“It’s also a chance for the public at large to learn more about the nonprofits that are moving our communities forward with innovative solutions,” he added. 

The nine grants will total $1 million across the three categories, with three first-place $200,000 grants, three second-place $100,000 grants and three third-place $33,000 grants.

• In the Economic Prosperity category, initiatives propose ways to enhance paths to financial stability and success, particularly for those in low- to moderate-income communities. 
• In the Opportunity Divide category, initiatives propose ways to improve access, preparedness and equity, from foundational digital literacy to career pathways and real-world applications. 
• In the Community and Civic Engagement category, the initiatives propose ways to widen participation and community connections, and increase equity in our region. 

“We’re doing this to highlight, accelerate and amplify the impact of great organizations in our community and to make the public aware of the power we all have to improve lives by supporting nonprofits,” Ramos said in a press release. 

Leaders from the nine winning organizations will also be invited to participate in the Philadelphia Foundation’s Leadership Institute in the fall of 2019 and will be included in opportunities for targeted leadership development scholarships and expanded professional network building, which will be supported by additional funds.

“We encourage everyone to vote and tell their networks to vote and share their voices,” Ramos said in the press release. 

To vote for a nonprofit organization to receive the grant, click here.