Philadelphia Foundation Welcomes Innovation Leader John S. Swartley to Board of Managers
Philadelphia, PA, May 15, 2026 – Philadelphia Foundation announced the appointment of John S. Swartley, MBA, PhD to its Board of Managers. Swartley brings deep expertise in innovation strategy, technology commercialization, and cross-sector partnership to his role as a trusted advisor to Philadelphia Foundation.
“John has spent his career turning discovery into opportunity, and that is the kind of leadership our region needs as we work to expand economic mobility and build pathways to prosperity for all Philadelphians,” said Pedro Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “His experience connecting research institutions, corporate partners, and emerging ventures will strengthen our ability to convene diverse stakeholders and drive the cross-sector collaboration.”
Swartley serves as the inaugural Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he leads a campus-wide innovation agenda in support of Penn’s faculty and research community. Working closely with Penn’s leadership, deans, and external partners, he oversees the development, translation, and commercialization of the university’s research. He previously spent nearly a decade as Associate Vice Provost for Research and founding Managing Director of the Penn Center for Innovation, leading teams focused on corporate partnerships, technology licensing, and new venture creation.
Swartley holds a B.S. in Biology from Bates College, an MBA from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University, and a PhD in Microbial and Molecular Genetics from Emory University.
His appointment deepens Philadelphia Foundation’s connections to the region’s innovation and research ecosystem and reinforces Philadelphia Foundation’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise to its work as a civic catalyst in the region.
About Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.
Forman Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Foundation Announce Microgrant Program in Support of the Kensington Neighborhood and its Semiquincentennial Celebrations
Philadelphia, PA, February 23, 2026 – Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) and Philadelphia Foundation (PF) are excited to launch Art Works Microgrants for Kensington250, a grant program benefiting creatives in the Kensington neighborhood and surrounding zip codes. An exciting year for the city of Philadelphia, the two organizations will contribute to the citywide celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial through localized efforts in the River Wards section of Philadelphia, which is also the location of Forman Arts Initiative’s new home.
Microgrants ranging between $2,500 and $8,000 will be awarded to 10-15 individuals and/or collaborative groups. Chosen artists will be connected to Kensington-based community partners and organizations with the opportunity to present or perform their work during the summer of 2026. The grant application for Art Works Kensington250 will be available at Art Works 2026 Kensington250 Microgrants opening Friday, February 20, 2026 closing Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Selected artists will be announced in May of this year.
Founded in 2021, Art Works is a joint $3 million grant program designed to support local Philadelphia artists and arts and cultural organizations working in partnership with Black, Brown, Indigenous and traditionally underserved communities. Entering into 2026, FAI and PF are utilizing Art Works funding to support the rich arts ecosystem in Kensington, deepening its relationships with the neighborhood the institution now calls home.
“Philadelphia’s 250th is a milestone that belongs to everyone including the artists and creatives in Kensington who have long been the heartbeat of this neighborhood, said Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO, Philadelphia Foundation. “Through Art Works Kensington250, Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative are making a deliberate choice to channel the energy of this historic celebration into one of our city’s most vibrant and resilient communities. These microgrants aren’t just an investment in art; they’re an investment in place, in people, and in the kind of storytelling that reminds us of who we are and who we can become. We’re proud to continue our partnership with FAI and to see the Art Works program deepen its roots right where FAI now calls home.”
“As Philadelphia is often known as the “city of neighborhoods”, it’s exciting to once again work with the Philadelphia Foundation to support local artists and creatives who truly make our neighborhoods come alive. I sincerely hope this opportunity will shine a light on new and underrecognized artistic voices here in Philadelphia.” said Marcellus Armstrong, Director of Programming, Forman Arts Initiative.
Art Works: Kensington 250 accepts applications from artists and/or creatives working in collaborative groups who are living or working in the following zip codes: 19122, 19125, 19132, 19133, 19134, and 19140. Artists will have the opportunity to display or perform their work in the Kensington neighborhood in partnership with the Heart of Kensington Creates program and other neighborhood celebrations commemorating Philadelphia’s 250th. Artists can participate in this opportunity with new or existing work. Grantees will be recommended by an Advisory Committee composed of FAI and PF staff, as well as Kensington stakeholders. FAI and PF will host an info-session and webinar for applicants on Tuesday, March 17at 2 pm, prior to the deadline. Please register here: Art Works 2026 Microgrants Webinar
About Forman Arts Initiative
Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) is dedicated to supporting community-based arts and creativity in Philadelphia through programming, convening, and advocacy. FAI serves as a platform to connect, mentor, and support artists and organizations around Philadelphia to deepen and to grow the rich cultural heritage of Philadelphia’s communities. For more information, visit formanartsinitiative.org.
About Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.
Philadelphia Foundation Partners with Chobani and La Colombe on Community Impact Fund Grants in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, January 29, 2026 – Philadelphia Foundation, in partnership with Chobani and La Colombe Coffee Workshop, recently announced the recipients of Chobani’s Community Impact Fund, awarding $100,000 to 12 organizations working to address hunger and nutrition access in Philadelphia. Food insecurity affects hundreds of thousands of families across the region, impacting health outcomes, educational achievement, and economic opportunity.
“This partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when we align around shared challenges,” said Philip Fitzgerald, Chief Impact Officer, Philadelphia Foundation. “Through collaboration, we are able to direct resources to organizations with proven track records and deep community relationships, ensuring these grants create meaningful impact for families facing food insecurity across Philadelphia.”
This year marks the first year Chobani and La Colombe are distributing grants in Philadelphia. The funds will support a range of initiatives, from emergency food pantries and meal delivery to culturally affirming nutrition programs and mobile teaching kitchens.
Through Philadelphia Foundation’s extensive knowledge of local nonprofits, the team identified organizations demonstrating meaningful impact throughout the region in addressing food insecurity. A review committee consisting of Chobani and La Colombe employee representatives then guided the final selection.
2025 Grantees
Broad Street Love ($10,000): The grant will support restorative services, helping provide nourishment, care, and dignity to individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Caring for Friends ($5,000): The grant will be used to deliver nutritious meals to homebound individuals and seniors facing chronic illness and food insecurity.
Drueding Center ($5,000): The grant will support the Green Light Food Pantry, providing access to healthy food for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.
KITHS ($2,000): The grant will provide culturally affirming food and nutrition support to refugee communities.
Maternity Care Coalition ($20,000): The grant will support the distribution of infant formula and other resources to help families meet critical nutritional needs during early childhood.
Mill Creek Urban Farm ($5,000): The grant will be used to distribute fresh, healthy produce to community members experiencing food insecurity.
Nationalities Service Center ($10,000): The grant will support the on-site food pantry, expanding food access for immigrant families.
SEAMAAC ($5,000): The grant will strengthen SEAMAAC’s food security and access program, helping community members in Southeast Philadelphia access nutritious and culturally familiar foods.
Share Food Program ($10,000): The grant will be used for school-based food distributions, ensuring students and families have reliable access to nutrition.
Sharing Excess ($10,000): The grant will support the expansion of its food rescue operations, redirecting surplus food to communities facing hunger.
Small Things ($8,000): The grant will support the organization’s network of pantry partners and markets, increasing access to free, nutritious food.
Vetri Community Partnership ($10,000): The grant will fund the Mobile Teaching Kitchen, providing hands-on nutrition education and cooking instruction in communities across the region.
###
About Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.
