Equal access to the arts is more than a value for PECO; it’s a cornerstone of the company’s corporate giving.
That commitment is once again on full display with the recent launch of its 2025 Powering the Arts Grant Program, aimed at expanding arts access and audience diversity throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
In partnership with Team Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, PECO has opened the application window for $150,000 in grant funding to support nonprofit arts organizations across the region. Now through July 31, eligible groups can apply for $5,000 grants to support planning or implementation efforts that focus on developing new, more inclusive audiences.
“We support the arts because they’re a powerful way to bring people together, share stories, and celebrate culture,” said Carniesha Kwashie, Director of Corporate Community Impact at PECO. “Through this grant, we’re investing in local organizations that use creativity to connect with their communities, break down barriers, and create spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued. It’s part of our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive region for all.”
The Powering the Arts initiative aligns with PECO’s broader charitable contributions strategy, which centers on four pillars: education, environmental stewardship, social impact, and arts access. The grant program highlights PECO’s belief that the arts foster understanding, empower underrepresented voices, and drive community vitality.
Open to nonprofit arts and community-based organizations with annual budgets under $2 million, the program encourages applicants from Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, as well as select ZIP Codes in York County.
“Team Pennsylvania is proud to support the Powering the Arts Grant as a meaningful investment in cultural connection and community vitality,” said Tahirih Zecharya, Vice President of People & Operations at Team Pennsylvania. “We believe that the arts are a powerful vehicle for engagement, belonging, and innovation, and we’re honored to partner with PECO and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to expand access to the arts across Pennsylvania.”
Grants are available in two categories:
- Planning Grants, for activities like audience research, strategy development, or assessing current outreach efforts.
- Implementation Grants, to support active engagement efforts such as community programming, marketing to new audiences, and removing participation barriers like transportation or language.
All funded projects must be carried out between Oct. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. A one-to-one match is required, though up to half of that may be in-kind.
“Through this innovative, public-private collaboration, we’re expanding access to the arts by strengthening relationships between dynamic artistic programs and the vibrant communities at their heart,” said Karl Blischke, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Creative Industries.
Applications will be evaluated by a diverse panel of arts professionals representing various communities and cultural perspectives. Award announcements will be made on Sept. 15, 2025. For detailed guidance, refer to the Grant Application Preview.
Apply now for the 2025 Powering the Arts Program.
