Established in 1991, the mission of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) is to provide funds to enhance the cultural life and vitality of the City of Philadelphia and its residents. Managed by a professional philanthropy staff and governed by a board of arts leaders and community members, PCF aims to support Philadelphia-based arts and culture organizations through transparent and robust grant-making processes, advocating for arts in daily life and their role in community growth.
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund's Art & Culture Grant Program focuses on providing general operating support to Philadelphia-based arts and cultural organizations. It supports those dedicated to creating, preserving, and exhibiting visual, literary, and performing arts, architecture, science, history, and the humanities. Grant amounts are determined through a funding formula without requiring specific grant amount requests from applicants. Key goals include advocating for the arts, promoting them as tools for social, educational, and economic development, recognizing and nurturing artistic quality, encouraging diverse participation, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring accountability and transparency in fund management.