$31.6 million in latest giving announced by Katherine H. Christiano and Peter Haas, fourth-generation member of the Haas family
The Foundation, backed by the Haas family, has announced 79 new grants totaling $31.6 million in support of efforts to expand access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just region.
Peter Haas is a fourth-generation member of the Haas family, serving in significant leadership roles at the William Penn Foundation, Philadelphia’s largest philanthropy dedicated solely to the city and region.
The Foundation was established by Peter Haas’s great-grandparents, Otto and Phoebe Haas, who were rooted in the family’s fortune from the Rohm & Haas Company.
Peter Haas, alongside other family members, including Katherine H. Christiano, is actively involved in guiding the Foundation’s evolving mission and strategic planning.
Katherine Christiano serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, with Peter Haas as Chair.
They are responsible for shaping a new era of grantmaking and spearheading a generational transition in leadership.
Both have publicly communicated their commitment to refreshing the Foundation’s strategies for greater community impact, equity, and access in Philadelphia.
Their roles are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of the Foundation for future generations.
Katherine and Peter Haas collaborate on adapting the Foundation’s funding priorities, working closely to implement changes that benefit the region in lasting ways, including civic, educational, arts, and environmental areas.
The most recent funding includes 17 grants totaling $3.3 million awarded to advance the foundation’s Arts and Culture Programming objective, including $166,965 to the Almanac Dance Circus Theatre.
The foundation awarded 10 grants totaling $3.83 million to advance its Caregiver Supports objective, including $370,300 to Asociacion Puertorriquenos En Marcha to strengthen “grandfamily” and kinship caregiver peer networks and community-based assets.
In support of its Early Childhood Education initiative, the foundation awarded 11 grants totaling $5.25 million, including $506,447 to All Our Kin to enhance and sustain high-quality family childcare programs.
To advance its Regional Funder Collaboration objective, the foundation awarded two grants, including $500,000 to the National Philanthropic Trust.
To advance the Improving Public Spaces initiative, the foundation awarded 15 grants totaling $4.4 million, including a $200,000 grant to the Clean Air Council.