$43.9 million in latest philanthropic grants by the Haas family’s foundation raises their overall giving near the $3 billion mark
In a powerful demonstration of civic leadership, the William Penn Foundation—guided by the enduring philanthropic legacy of the Haas family—has announced a landmark $43.9 million in new grants.
These funds, awarded across 113 initiatives, span five core program areas: Arts and Culture, Children and Families, Democracy and Civic Initiatives, Environment and Public Space, and Education.
At the heart of this expansive grantmaking is a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all who call the Philadelphia region home.
Katherine H. Cristiano and Peter Haas, fourth-generation members of the Haas family, are shaping this new chapter of giving. They have stepped forward as champions of the foundation’s mission.
Their vision and leadership demonstrate a profound conviction that philanthropy should support individuals, drive systemic improvement, and enhance communities.
“This isn’t just about giving,” said Cristiano. “It’s about listening, investing in trust, and empowering the people who are building the future of this city every day.”
The Foundation awarded $4.7 million to 14 cornerstone cultural organizations—including PHILADANCO!, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History—supporting general operating needs that sustain cultural access and artistic excellence.
With an additional $3.4 million dedicated to Arts Education School Partnerships, over 13,000 students in 75+ schools will gain direct access to hands-on, high-quality arts instruction. Another $579,000 is being directed toward the training and development of teaching artists, ensuring future generations of educators are culturally responsive and community-focused.
And in a bold effort to amplify civic dialogue, a $1 million grant to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance will strengthen regional arts policy, research, and public engagement.
A Three-Pronged Strategy for Families: Early Support, Housing Stability, and Educator Development
The foundation’s Children and Families program awarded $8.13 million to expand early learning and caregiver support, reaching more than 5,400 families annually. Organizations such as CHOP, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, and HopePHL will implement programs that meet families where they are—emotionally, logistically, and culturally.
Recognizing the growing urgency around housing insecurity, $7.47 million in grants will help 4,400 families prevent eviction and foreclosure through legal aid, emergency assistance, and holistic support services.
In parallel, the foundation is investing $6.05 million to help Philadelphia attract, retain, and develop a more diverse and effective K–12 teaching workforce. Grants to institutions like Drexel University, the Center for Black Educator Development, and Teach Plus will reach hundreds of educators and school leaders.
In a critical election cycle, the Foundation committed $2.5 million to voter outreach and civic engagement efforts that will directly connect with more than 518,000 Pennsylvanians. From the Lehigh Valley to Franklin County, grants to organizations like Civic News Company (Votebeat PA), OnePA, and Make the Road PA are helping to protect access, education, and trust in elections.
A further $273,000 has been committed to advanced census preparation so that traditionally undercounted communities can be fully represented in the 2030 Census.
With $4.5 million in grants directed toward community greening and outdoor programming, the foundation is championing equitable access to nature, wellness, and safe public space. Whether it’s urban gardening in Kensington, youth paddling programs in Camden, or equine therapy with Work to Ride in Philadelphia, these initiatives reflect the foundation’s belief that environmental access is a matter of justice.
Katherine H. Cristiano and Peter Haas’s philanthropic leadership is not just honoring the family’s legacy—it’s actively evolving it.
As fourth-generation stewards, they represent a new era of hands-on engagement and forward-looking strategy.
They’ve helped the William Penn Foundation deepen its relationships with community-based organizations and shaped its vision for responsive, inclusive philanthropy.
“We are proud to carry forward our family’s belief that when you invest in people and neighborhoods, you invest in possibility,” said Peter Haas.
With this major funding announcement, the William Penn Foundation reaffirms its role as a philanthropic force that not only funds progress—but helps catalyze it.