We do not seek a specific issue area or initiative when it comes to applicants - we trust lived experience. However, we do have other requirements that you must meet to apply:

• Philadelphia Resident: You are a Philadelphia resident, living in at least one of the neighborhoods you serve. This year, we will be prioritizing residents in the following zipcodes.

  • North Philly: 19132, 19133, 19140, 19141, 19121

  • West Philly: 19130, 19144

• Community Connection: You are deeply connected to the community you serve, forming relationships with them - they are your friends and neighbors.

• Age Minimum: You are 18 years or older as of September 1, 2024.

• Project Focus: Your work gives Philadelphians who live here the opportunity to stay and thrive. For example, we do not invest in ideas that focus on creating boarding schools or vacation homes. We focus on ideas that give people the option to stay in their communities and thrive there.

• Min 2-year experience: You have served your community for at least two years - you can define that however you’d like. We want to see that you are committed to this work and it’s not just a hobby for you.

• Team-Builder: You have built a team of at least two other people in your community to join you in this work and you recognize the importance of not doing this alone. They do not need to be paid staff.

• Budget & Funding: You have an annual operating budget that does not exceed $250,000

• Non-partisan & no lobbying: Your work must be non-partisan and does not involve lobbying. As a nonprofit, we are legally required to remain non-partisan. That means we can not support grassroots leaders who are using their work to advocate for a political party or candidate. You may personally advocate for a candidate or party, so long as you do not use your work as the platform to do so.