The Chatham Foundation concentrates its philanthropy on civic and cultural institutions in the Philadelphia/Greater Delaware Valley area, funding museums, theatres, public media, and civic education alongside local Episcopal-affiliated community services and a parish church. Grants are substantial and targeted, supporting capital/program growth and institutional capacity rather than many small projects; the foundation shows an interest in organizations that shape public life and community cohesion through arts, media, and faith-based social services.
A $1,025,000 grant to the National Constitution Center is the clearest marker of The Chatham Foundation’s priorities: it backs institutions that shape civic life, public understanding, and community identity in the Philadelphia region. The foundation’s recent giving also reaches beyond civics into public media, regional arts, and Episcopal-affiliated social services, with substantial support for organizations that operate at the level of institutions rather than short-term projects. Across the grant list, Philadelphia organizations appear repeatedly, including WHYY, Free Library of Philadelphia, Episcopal Community Services, and St. James School. That pattern suggests a funder that favors established local anchors with ongoing public-facing work. The foundation also extends selected grants to nearby and related institutions outside Philadelphia, such as people-centered arts and heritage organizations and faith-based community services. Grant sizes cluster in the tens of thousands and low six figures, with several larger awards reserved for long-standing civic and cultural partners. The result is a portfolio centered on regional continuity: civic education, journalism, arts access, and community support through organizations that already have a public footprint.
Civic education is one of the foundation’s clearest priorities. It gave $150,000 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2024 to the National Constitution Center, followed by $1,025,000 in 2025, underscoring repeated support for national civics infrastructure based in Philadelphia. Public media and journalism also receive sustained backing. WHYY was awarded $1,000,000 in 2024, then $50,000 in 2025 and $50,000 in 2023, showing a multi-year relationship with the Philadelphia public broadcaster. Arts and cultural institutions are another thread. People’s Light and Theatre received $525,000 in 2023, plus $25,000 in both 2024 and 2025. The foundation also supported Rufus Porter Museum with $100,000 in 2023 and $230,000 in 2025. Faith-based social service work appears through Episcopal Community Services, which received $450,000 in 2023, $130,000 in 2024, and $250,000 in 2025.
Typical grant size sits at $15,000 at the 25th percentile, $50,000 at the median, and $76,000 at the 75th percentile, but the recent list also includes several six- and seven-figure awards. The pattern is relationship-based: organizations such as Episcopal Community Services, WHYY, People’s Light and Theatre, Free Library of Philadelphia, St. James School, and the National Constitution Center appear more than once across years. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments. Its giving is regional, with many awards concentrated in Pennsylvania and a smaller number extending to nearby states and select institutions outside the core metro area.
$5.3M
$27.6M
$2.4M
$1.9M
Most grants fall between $15K and $76K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$76K
About 49% of grants go to recipients in PA.
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Highly concentrated giving: few, relatively large grants to established regional institutions; occasional repeat support to faith-based social service partners. Emphasis on organizational-scale investments rather than broad, small-dollar distributions.
Notable grantees: National Constitution Center, WHYY, People's Light and Theatre, Episcopal Community Services, Rufus Porter Museum
Grant recipients are overwhelmingly in the United States, with Pennsylvania the top state by grant count and 49% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Philadelphia is the most visible city in the portfolio, alongside nearby Malvern, Maple Glen, Wayne, and Camden. Outside Pennsylvania, the foundation has also funded recipients in Durham, New York, Fort Myers, and Bridgton. The distribution shows a strong regional core around the Greater Delaware Valley, with a few out-of-region institutional grants.
The foundation focuses on civic education and national civics institutions, public media and regional journalism, regional performing and visual arts, and Episcopal-affiliated community social services. Recent grants include support for institutions such as the National Constitution Center, WHYY, People’s Light and Theatre, Episcopal Community Services, and Free Library of Philadelphia.
Typical grants are $15,000 at the 25th percentile, $50,000 at the median, and $76,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent record also includes larger awards, including $1,025,000 to the National Constitution Center and $1,000,000 to WHYY.
Yes. Several recipients appear across multiple years, including Episcopal Community Services, WHYY, People’s Light and Theatre, Free Library of Philadelphia, St. James School, and the National Constitution Center. That pattern points to recurring support rather than one-time gifts only.
Pennsylvania is the top state by grant count, and 49% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Philadelphia is the central city in the portfolio, with additional recipients in Malvern, Maple Glen, Wayne, and other nearby locations.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $1,025,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $250,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM | BRIDGTON, ME | $230,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| ST JAMES SCHOOL | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $76,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $50,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| WHYY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $50,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | DURHAM, NC | $50,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE | MALVERN, PA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION | FORT MYERS, FL | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| BIRCH ROCK CAMP | SOUTH PORTLAND, ME | $20,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT | AMBRIDGE, PA | $12,500 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| YMCA OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON | WASHINGTON, DC | $7,500 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| MARYLAND FOOD BANK | BALTIMORE, MD | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| HELPING UP MISSION | BALTIMORE, MD | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LILITH FUND | AUSTIN, TX | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| WHYY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $1,000,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $130,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| ST DAVID'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH | WAYNE, PA | $100,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $75,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| ST MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH | MAPLE GLEN, PA | $75,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| ST JAMES SCHOOL | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $60,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $50,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | DURHAM, NC | $50,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE | MALVERN, PA | $25,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION | FORT MYERS, FL | $25,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT | AMBRIDGE, PA | $20,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM | BRIDGTON, ME | $15,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| THE BRIDGE FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| CITY DOGS AND CITY KITTIES RESCUE | WASHINGTON, DC | $15,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY | EAST LANSING, MI | $10,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| HELPING UP MISSION | BALTIMORE, MD | $10,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| BIRCH ROCK CAMP | SOUTH PORTLAND, ME | $7,500 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| NORWAY LANDMARKS PRESERVATION SOCIETY | NORWAY, ME | $1,000 | 2024 | CHARITABLE |
| PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE | MALVERN, PA | $525,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $450,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| ST MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH | MAPLE GLEN, PA | $200,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $150,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION | FORT MYERS, FL | $100,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM | BRIDGTON, ME | $100,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| WHYY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $50,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| DUKE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | DURHAM, NC | $50,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| THE BRIDGE FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA - THE BRIDGE FUND | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $50,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| LUCY OUTREACH | CAMDEN, NJ | $30,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| ST JAMES SCHOOL | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $20,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT | AMBRIDGE, PA | $15,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| HELPING UP MISSION | BALTIMORE, MD | $6,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| BIRCH ROCK CAMP | SOUTH PORTLAND, ME | $6,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
| MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY - LUCKY FUND | EAST LANSING, MI | $3,000 | 2023 | CHARITABLE |
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
$1,025,000CHARITABLE
EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
$250,000CHARITABLE
RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM
$230,000CHARITABLE
ST JAMES SCHOOL
$76,000CHARITABLE
FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA
$50,000CHARITABLE
WHYY
$50,000CHARITABLE
DUKE UNIVERSITY
CHARITABLE
PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE
$25,000CHARITABLE
LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION
$25,000CHARITABLE
BIRCH ROCK CAMP
$20,000CHARITABLE
ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
$12,500CHARITABLE
YMCA OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON
$7,500CHARITABLE
MARYLAND FOOD BANK
$5,000CHARITABLE
HELPING UP MISSION
$5,000CHARITABLE
LILITH FUND
$5,000CHARITABLE
WHYY
$1,000,000CHARITABLE
EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
$130,000CHARITABLE
ST DAVID'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$100,000CHARITABLE
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
$75,000CHARITABLE
ST MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$75,000CHARITABLE
ST JAMES SCHOOL
$60,000CHARITABLE
FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA
$50,000CHARITABLE
DUKE UNIVERSITY
$50,000CHARITABLE
PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE
$25,000CHARITABLE
LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION
$25,000CHARITABLE
ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
$20,000CHARITABLE
RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM
$15,000CHARITABLE
THE BRIDGE FUND
$15,000CHARITABLE
CITY DOGS AND CITY KITTIES RESCUE
$15,000CHARITABLE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
$10,000CHARITABLE
HELPING UP MISSION
$10,000CHARITABLE
BIRCH ROCK CAMP
$7,500CHARITABLE
NORWAY LANDMARKS PRESERVATION SOCIETY
$1,000CHARITABLE
PEOPLE'S LIGHT AND THEATRE
$525,000CHARITABLE
EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
$450,000CHARITABLE
ST MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$200,000CHARITABLE
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
$150,000CHARITABLE
LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION
$100,000CHARITABLE
RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM
$100,000CHARITABLE
WHYY
$50,000CHARITABLE
DUKE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
$50,000CHARITABLE
THE BRIDGE FUND
$50,000CHARITABLE
FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA - THE BRIDGE FUND
$50,000CHARITABLE
LUCY OUTREACH
$30,000CHARITABLE
ST JAMES SCHOOL
$20,000CHARITABLE
ANGELICAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT
$15,000CHARITABLE
HELPING UP MISSION
$6,000CHARITABLE
BIRCH ROCK CAMP
$6,000CHARITABLE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY - LUCKY FUND
$3,000CHARITABLE