The Emerging Leaders Fund (ELF) grantee partners spent two days together at the ELF Gathering at @innatgracewinery for peer learning, reflection, and inspiration. We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to ELF Alumni Maya Bhattacharjee-Marcantonio of @marcylabschool and Oscar Kirschwang of @collegetogether for thoughtfully designing and facilitating the retreat. The hope, love and laughter shared among ELF grantee partners filled everyone’s “cup” as they continue to lead critically important work supporting individuals, families and communities.

After five years leading the organization she founded, Hillary Do, the Executive Director of Community Fund grantee partner @phillybolt will step down as Executive Director on October 2, 2026.⁠ Over five years, Hillary built BOLT to ensure that that neighborhoods could thrive and residents were invested in as leaders. She leaves BOLT in strong financial and programmatic position, with a dedicated team, a healthy balance sheet, and real momentum.⁠ BOLT’s Deputy Executive Director, Jude Husein, who has been with the organization since 2022, will serve as Interim Executive Director while the Board of Directors searches for the organization’s next permanent executive director.⁠

Community Fund grantee partner @bartramsgarden received $1 million from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The additional funding will help the organization break ground on the Ecosystems Education Center - the first dedicated education space at the park. Once open, The Center will support more than 4,000 student visits annually, and offer lab-equipped classrooms, a teaching kitchen, trail-front amenities, and community gathering spaces. Click the link in our bio to learn more about the Ecosystems Education Center.

The Claneil Foundation held its annual staff outing at @projectjoystudio. We stepped away from our laptops, rolled up our sleeves, did our best Picasso impressions, and learned about Puddle Painting – the combination of water, color, and movement to create works of art. We want to give a special thank you to Joy, who was a wonderful host and creative guide on our Puddle Painting journey.

Community Fund grantee partner @historic_fh has been honored as one of 26 community organizations participating in the @philadao Violence Prevention Grant Initiative. Historic Fair Hill was one of several organizations awarded $10,000 to support community revitalization, neighborhood beautification, and environmental justice. Click the link in our bio to learn more about their work in Fairhill.