Feet First Philly Launches Fifth Year Of The Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program

On August 1, Feet First Philly, a pedestrian advocacy project of the Clean Air Council, in partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention launched the fifth round of their Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program that funds projects aimed at improving Philadelphia’s pedestrian environment and public spaces. 

The deadline for applications is October 10.

FFP is hosting an informational webinar on August 21 for those who are interested in learning more about the program. 

The mini-grant recipients receive funding ranging from $500 to $2,000 to create public space enhancements and safety improvements. 

“To date, the mini-grant program has successfully funded 53 projects led by community groups including Kensington Neighborhood Association, Village of Arts and Humanities, Mantua Civic Association, Frankford Community Development Corporation, Cobbs Creek Ambassadors, ACHIEVEability, and many more,” said Nick Zuwiala-Rogers, Clean Air Council Transportation Program Director. “We are excited by the new grant proposals that have come in to expand the program. We look forward to continuing to fund public space improvements in communities throughout Philadelphia.”

“We at the Health Department continue to support built environment improvements and activations that are the building blocks of a cleaner, greener, safer, and more active city,” said Dr. Kinnari Chandriani, Director of the Health Department’s Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention. ”These Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grants support community-identified solutions and invest in neighborhood leadership for health and well-being. Research shows that such improvements can lead to better physical and mental health and decrease crime and violence.”

In 2020, FFP launched its first Public Space Enhancement Mini-grant program with seven projects that were led by and benefited local communities. 

Since then, the program has awarded many mini-grants to local organizations all over Philadelphia and provided funding to--

-- Extend efforts to clean up the Cobbs Creek Trail

-- Create a pocket park in Southwest Philadelphia

-- Replace a severely damaged sidewalk outside of a community garden in Kensington

-- Paint a mural on a newsstand in Germantown

-- Paint an artistic crosswalk in North Philadelphia

-- Help develop community gardens all over the city

-- Add amenities to a local meadow to make it a walking destination

-- Install bike racks to prevent illegal sidewalk parking outside of a school 

With the mini-grant funding, FFP and its partner organizations have been able to enhance public spaces in Philadelphia in unique ways. 

“Pedestrian advocacy projects bring communities around Philadelphia together to create safer and healthier spaces,” said Titania Markland, Clean Air Council Transportation Outreach Coordinator. “They allow for people from all walks of life to convene and make this city a safer and healthier place. Through the mini-grants, we can give Philadelphians the ability to build their communities in ways that benefit their neighbors.” 

Safety is a top priority for this program, and applicants are encouraged to identify ways their project can improve safety in their communities. 

FFP continues to receive funding from the Department of Public Health for the mini-grants, and for the first time will also be partnering with the Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS® (GPAR) to help support one larger public space enhancement project with a grant award of up to $5,000. 

Aug. 21 Webinar

If you are interested in applying or want more information, attend the webinar on August 21 at Noon. 

Applicants can email tmarkland@cleanair.org  to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Clean Air Council staff to discuss their project ideas.

Visit the Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program webpage for more information.

[Posted: August 1, 2024]  PA Environment Digest