Philadelphia Foundation serves Greater Philadelphia through philanthropy, nonprofit support, and scholarship administration. Its website organizes this work around three broad areas: empowering nonprofits and scholars, activating givers, and engaging volunteers and civic leadership. The foundation maintains grantmaking and donor services alongside scholarship programs, positioning education support within a wider community foundation role that also includes community causes, nonprofit grants, financial information, and long-term charitable planning.
Scholarships are a significant part of that portfolio. Each year, Philadelphia Foundation awards more than 200 scholarships from funds it manages. The organization uses a Common Scholarship Application so that an applicant completes one application to be considered for multiple scholarships, with one or more essay questions required based on the student’s responses. The scholarship program serves graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who have been accepted to or are enrolled at an accredited college or university, including four-year colleges, two-year programs, and vocational or technical training. Financial need is a core eligibility requirement.