About Us
About the Funder Collaborative
The Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial exists to support Philadelphia-area programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Philadelphia has long enjoyed pride of place for the observation of major national milestones. The Centennial of 1876 was a massive success, attracting more than 10 million visitors to Philadelphia. We hope to build on that proud legacy by providing financial support to eligible nonprofits that are planning and hosting programs related to the 2026 commemorations.
Following the nonpartisan Educating for American Democracy framework, which has been funded and endorsed by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Department of Education, the Collaborative intends to approach this grantmaking from a posture of “reflective patriotism.” This posture seeks to better understand and celebrate the nation’s founding ideals; to acknowledge the times the nation has failed to uphold those ideals; and to recognize the many individuals who have helped move the nation toward the realization of its founding ideals.
Guiding Principles
We provide support to Philadelphia-area nonprofits that intend to:
- Honor Philadelphia’s unique importance to the founding of the United States;
- Encourage widespread community participation in the events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence;
- Celebrate the diversity of the city and the region through inclusive programming that reflects the experiences of all Philadelphians, past and present;
- Imagine the possibilities for Philadelphia’s contributions to the next 250 years of American democracy;
- Inspire greater civic engagement by promoting civil dialogue, community service, and voluntary solutions to the City’s ongoing challenges.
Who we are
Founding Funders
The Connelly Foundation was founded in 1955 by John and Josephine Connelly. John Connelly achieved remarkable business success as president of Connelly Containers and later Crown Cork and Seal, both manufacturing companies based in Philadelphia. He and his wife Josephine, strongly motivated by their Catholic faith and love for the Philadelphia region, dedicated their good fortune to helping others. Over the past 68 years, the Connelly Foundation has donated more than $480 million to nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area focusing on education, human services, the arts, and civic life.
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase educational opportunities for children from low-income families, ensure a sustainable environment, foster creativity that enhances civic life, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress. In our hometown of Philadelphia, Pew is committed to making an impact through research and policy work to help the city navigate challenges, supporting the health and welfare of the region’s most vulnerable populations, encouraging a thriving arts and cultural community, and pursuing civic initiatives to strengthen the area’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.
The Neubauer Family Foundation (NFF) invests in people and data-driven, evidence-based initiatives intended to achieve transformational impact. Philanthropic initiatives include strategic investments in Philadelphia’s school system, community safety, innovative leadership of arts & cultural organizations, institutions of higher learning and advancing new opportunities for Israeli-Arabs to participate in Israel’s high prestige scientific revolution.
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information
The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust funds programs that build literacy, workplace, and social-emotional skills to empower students to achieve academically as they prepare for meaningful careers.
