Learn More About The Projects Feet First Philly Is Funding Through Its Mini-Grant Program
Last August, Feet First Philly launched its 4th annual Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program and received over 40 applications for transformative projects across Philadelphia. Today, in partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, we are excited to announce funding for 21 projects that will improve Philadelphia’s public spaces, and make communities more walkable all over the city. These grants range from $500 up to $2,000 for resident-led projects that will make public spaces safer and more accessible. This is the largest number of projects FFP has ever funded in one round, making 53 the total number of projects funded since 2020.
Feet First Philly is proud to support these mini-grant projects and feels privileged to help them become a reality. Congratulations to these organizations and community groups for their amazing projects that will improve the pedestrian experience and make a difference in the walkability of their communities.
These projects fall under the following categories: Greening projects, Infrastructure and Cleaning, Programming and Public Art, and Lighting and Security. Some projects comprise a mixture of these categories.
Greening Projects all aim to improve green space and add plants, flowers, and various amenities to community green spaces.
Community Alliance for Development will enhance a community green space by adding benches, planter boxes, flowers, signage, and tools for maintenance. This space will also be used for various community programming.
Disney-Nichols AME Church will enhance a community green space and can be utilized for different events such as flea markets, awareness programs, and workshops.
Do Moore Good will beautify a community garden and provide programming to educate residents about the process of growing food and environmental stewardship. This project will also create a safe space for community members to gather.
Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Service Center will improve community garden spaces in North Philadelphia and encourage community engagement.
Klean Kensington aims to clean and beautify abandoned lots to provide clean and beautiful spaces for neighbors to congregate and participate in community activities such as gardening.
Nicetown-Tioga Improvement Team RCO will transform overgrown abandoned lots into sacred art parks to create functional community green spaces.
58th Street Neighbors will install benches and lighting at a community garden space for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy.
Infrastructure and Cleaning projects will improve mobility by making pedestrian spaces more accessible and appealing.
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha will install planters at a proposed crosswalk, solar street lights, and yard signs to help calm traffic and connect two major community resources, the Rainbow de Colores Playground and Angel Community Garden in Northeast Philadelphia.
Belmont Alliance Civic Association CDC will install the first phase of the entry sidewalk to the Belmont Commons Cultural Activities Park which is located on North Preston Street.
Exhibit A Art Design will install a mural to serve as a means of engagement and advocacy for a safe and healthy community while promoting historical awareness.
Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together has a project that falls into a few categories such as greening, infrastructure, and lighting. It will improve a community gathering space by installing lighting and a shaded structure along with pruning trees and shrubs.
Hunting Park Neighborhood Advisory Committee will receive funding to support the organization’s ongoing urban blight removal project. They will focus on the removal of trash, short dumping, and the cleaning of vacant lots in the Hunting Park neighborhood.
Mantua Civic Association will add to the 34th Street Planter project that was installed last year. This project will add 10 planters along the sidewalk on Mantua Ave. It will help to beautify the corridor along with adding extra protection for pedestrians.
Wynnefield Heights Community Association will make improvements to Woodside Park. This project will install a mini-library for kids and families, and dog waste stations, along with cleaning the park space and planting flowers and trees.
Programming and Public Art projects aim to activate community spaces and provide programs and activities for residents, including murals and other types of art.
Frankford Community Development Corporation will make pedestrian improvements to Church Street Gateway using the themes ‘Thrive, Connect, and Renew’. Funding will help to facilitate community engagement to improve the gateway, which includes public art installation.
Hunting Park Green will construct and install 20 positive message boards to encourage community members. The message boards will be placed in heavily industrialized areas.
Original American Foundation aims to use a community garden to provide workshops that will teach gardening skills and other workshops to promote self-sustainability to low-income BIPOC residents in Southwest Philadelphia.
Susquehanna Clean Up/Pick Up Inc. will educate residents about illegal parking and implement ways to prevent illegal parking.
Tacony Community Development Corporation will use art to activate Torresdale Avenue through a series of collaborative community painting events.
Lighting and Security projects will install lights in community spaces to improve accessibility at night.
Friends of Campbell Square will install cafe-style lighting along the southern portion of Campbell Square to better engage residents as they enter the space from Allegheny Avenue. This aims to improve the safety of residents walking during the night.
Friends of Carrol Park will install a security door on a park shed to protect tools, beverages, equipment, decorations, and other items from theft. Protection of these items will allow the Friends group to better activate the park with various programs and events.
