Kenney calls on all non-profits, philanthropies, and corporations to join the effort

PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Kenney attended a press conference convened by the William Penn Foundation announcing a $15 million grant to the Fund for Quality, the local initiative that provides capital and planning services for the expansion of high-quality early childhood education facilities in Philadelphia. Philanthropic donations will help existing STAR 3 and 4 rated programs expand the number of available seats and also assist STAR 2 rated centers in making the necessary improvements to obtain a higher ranking.

In his remarks, Mayor Kenney emphasized the importance of businesses and philanthropies joining together to support the City’s effort to create 6,500 new, locally-funded quality pre-K seats across Philadelphia.

“The Fund for Quality has made a significant impact on expanding quality pre-K throughout Philadelphia. This investment helps providers enhance facilities, enroll more students, and grow businesses,” said Mayor Kenney. “My Administration is committed to increasing quality pre-K opportunities, but we certainly cannot do it alone. Business and philanthropic participation is critical to the success of this effort, so I’m extremely grateful for William Penn Foundation’s ongoing leadership and investment in early childhood education.”

The Fund for Quality began in 2014 with an initial $4.6 million grant from the William Penn Foundation and an additional $1.5 million in capital from Reinvestment Fund. The Fund for Quality is operated by Reinvestment Fund and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) to increase the availability and accessibility of high-quality early learning opportunities throughout the city. The Fund for Quality helps high quality centers serve more children in current sites and open new sites in areas of high need.

Philanthropic participation is a cornerstone in the City’s efforts to increase quality pre-K for all three and four-year-olds who currently lack access. Mayor Kenney lauded the William Penn Foundation’s for improving quality of life in Philadelphia by strengthening educational opportunities for young children.