CIVIC
RENEWAL
The Connelly Foundation is committed to renewing informed, active citizenship among Philadelphians. The Civic Renewal portfolio is grounded in appreciation for history and a thorough understanding of the principles and processes that support a healthy democracy.
Areas we fund
Civic Education
The Civic Renewal portfolio supports programs that teach the foundational ideals and institutions of American government and civil society. It particularly supports programs that draw on Philadelphia's rich contributions to the creation and advancement of the American experiment.
Civic Activation
The Civic Renewal portfolio invests in efforts to activate engaged citizenship. It is especially interested in programs that teach foundational civic skills, such as voting responsibly, participating in public affairs, encouraging volunteerism, and promoting civil dialogue.
Civic Character
The Civic Renewal portfolio provides financial assistance to organizations that work to develop civic character. It is especially interested in programs that cultivate civic dispositions like open-mindedness, personal responsibility, and gratitude for the nation's founding ideals.
PhILadelphia region institutional treasures
In keeping with our mission to support Greater Philadelphia, the Connelly Foundation seeks to honor the city’s unparalleled contributions to American political culture. Philadelphia was conceived as William Penn's "Holy Experiment," grew to Benjamin Franklin's laboratory for social improvement, and eventually gave birth to American independence and constitutional government. The Civic Renewal portfolio believes in the long-term virtue of connecting all Philadelphians to the region’s historic institutions and assets, aiming to foster renewed appreciation for what the city has meant, and continues to mean, to American democracy.
Philadelphia Funder Collaborative
The Connelly Foundation is proud to be a founding partner of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial. The Funder Collaborative exists to support Philadelphia region programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States by providing financial support to eligible nonprofits planning and hosting programs related to the 2026 commemorations.
explore our other focus areas
Catholic Education
Human Services
Arts &
Culture
