Pew Charitable Trusts invests $9.1 million in Philadelphia nonprofits

Philadelphia nonprofits got a Friday news dump worth celebrating. 

The Pew Charitable Trusts announced Friday morning that it has awarded more than $9.1 million to 18 Philadelphia-area organizations, including $8.3 million in multiyear grants to seven groups working to expand public benefits access, improve food security, support economic advancement and promote community safety. 

Pew, citing the period of increased uncertainty for the nonprofit sector, is also awarding an additional $845,000 in one-time booster grants to 11 of its current grantees to ensure their stability. 

“The ability to meet basic needs such as access to food, health care, and financial support is a crucial building block for economic mobility. Now more than ever, it’s important to support organizations that are innovating and finding solutions to help all Philadelphians thrive,” Kristin Romens, director of the Pew Fund for Health and Human Services in Philadelphia, said in a statement. “Pew’s grants will help ensure that these organizations are able to assist even more Philadelphians while helping to fill service gaps.”

The Pew Charitable Trusts, an independent, nonprofit organization whose subsidiary is the Pew Research Center think tank, has a stated mission to serve the public interest by “improving public policy, informing the public, and invigorating civic life.” It was established in 1948 and, since 1956, has been based in Philadelphia, where it continues to conduct research and support civic and cultural projects in the city. 

The list of awards includes: $3.3 million over five years to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation to collaborate with community-based organizations and implement national models that have demonstrated positive impacts on employment, debt reduction and credit scores; $1 million over four years to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to support its PolicyLab; $300,000 over two years to Philabundance to support SNAP beneficiaries and food pantries; and $300,000 over two years to the Pennsylvania Health Access Network to assist families in accessing public benefits. 

In a statement to City & State, PHAN Executive Director Antoinette Kraus said her organization is “deeply grateful” for the funding. 

“At a time when there are significant changes affecting SNAP and other public benefit programs, this investment allows us to expand our reach and ensure more eligible families are connected to the nutrition assistance they rely on to put food on the table,” said Kraus. “By integrating nutrition support into our helpline, we can help households address both health care and basic needs in one place, with clear guidance they can trust."

Last year, Pew Charitable Trusts awarded $2.6 million to support the city’s nonprofits, working training programs and community spaces. The organization’s Arts & Heritage Center also awarded $8.6 million to 44 Philadelphia-area cultural organizations and artists in December, supporting theater, public art installations, historical exhibitions and six projects that will be part of the America250 anniversary celebration.