Feet First Philly Launches Fourth Year of Pedestrian Enhancement Mini-Grant Program
PHILADELPHIA, PA (August 1, 2023) Feet First Philly (FFP), a volunteer led pedestrian advocacy organization and a project of the Clean Air Council, launched the fourth round of their Public Space Enhancement Mini-grant program that funds projects aimed at improving Philadelphia’s pedestrian environment. The mini-grant winners receive funding ranging from $500 to $2000 to create public space enhancements and safety improvements. FFP is hosting an informational webinar on August 24th for anyone who is interested in learning more about the mini-grants.
FFP is Philly’s only volunteer advocacy group dedicated to pedestrians and sponsored by the Clean Air Council. In 2020, FFP launched its first pedestrian enhancement mini-grant program with seven projects that were led by and benefited local communities. Since then, the program has awarded 34 mini-grants to local organizations all over Philadelphia. These projects provided funding for extended efforts to clean up the Cobbs Creek Trail, create a pocket park for community members to access and engage with, hire a contractor to do reconstruction of a severely damaged sidewalk in Kensington, paint a mural on a newsstand, add amenities to a local meadow to make it a walking destination, install bike racks to prevent illegal parking and so much more. With the mini-grant funding, FFP and its partner organizations have been able to enhance public spaces in Philadelphia in unique ways.
“The mini-grant program has successfully funded 32 projects that include Kensington Neighborhood Association, Village of Arts and Humanities, Hunting Park Community Garden, Cobbs Creek Ambassadors, ACHEIVEability and so many more,” said Nick Zuwiala-Rogers, Clean Air Council Transportation Program Director. “We’ve had a lot of new grant proposals come in to expand the program. We’re so excited that we can continue to fund community and pedestrian improvements.”
“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 come together and make this city a safer and healthier place. Through the mini-grant, 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 received funding from the Department of Public Health for the mini-grants. If you are interested in applying or want more information, attend the webinar on August 24th at 6pm EST. Applicants can email tmarkland@cleanair.org to set up a one on one meeting with Clean Air Council staff to discuss their project ideas. Applications for the mini-grant are open until Monday, October 9th at 11:59 PM EST.
Funding limits the amount of amazing projects the program can support, but supporters can help. Every $2000 raised means one more project gets funding, and a community in Philadelphia can improve a public space in a way that reflects their vision for more walkable, safe, and accessible neighborhoods. Feet First Philly has set up a donation page with funds raised going directly to supporting more mini-grants. Make an impact with a gift today, and help fund more public space enhancement projects in Philadelphia. Support this program here.
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Feet First Philly is Philadelphia’s only advocacy group dedicated to pedestrian rights sponsored by the Clean Air Council. Feet First Philly volunteers meet regularly to plan advocacy campaigns, public walks with a theme, and to discuss policy issues that affect pedestrians.
