Shape Philly Idea Collabs 2025: Get $2,000 to Fund Your Creative Ideas – Apply by 9/15
Do you have a creative idea to make your neighborhood better?
Do you want to see cleaner streets, safer spaces, more green areas, or more job opportunities in Philadelphia?
The City of Philadelphia wants to support your ideas through the Shape Philly Idea Collabs. This is your chance to share your vision, get paid, and learn from experts who can help you bring your idea to life.
What Is Shape Philly Idea Collabs?
Shape Philly Idea Collabs is a new program from Creative Philadelphia.
It gives people the chance to share big ideas to make their neighborhoods better.
Here’s what you need to know:
12 ideas will be chosen:
10 from the city’s council districts | 2 from youth teams (ages 13–24)
If your idea is picked, you get $2,000
Your community partner (a nonprofit, small business, or faith-based group) gets $1,000
You’ll work with another project from a different part of Philly to share ideas and learn together
Who Can Apply
You can apply if you:
Live in Philadelphia
Have a creative idea to make your community safer, cleaner, greener, or full of opportunity
Are 13 years or older (youth ages 13–24 are strongly encouraged!)
Apply as an individual — not as an organization
You’ll also need a partner:
Your partner can be a neighborhood nonprofit, small business, rec center, church, or other community group
Your partner must serve the neighborhood where your idea will happen
Your Project Should Focus On
Your idea should connect creativity, culture, and community.
Pick at least one theme:
Safer → Ideas that help prevent violence and make people feel secure
Cleaner → Trash cleanups, beautification projects, and ways to fight pollution
Greener → Planting trees, creating parks, or protecting the environment
Opportunity → Helping people learn skills, get jobs, or start creative businesses
Why You Should Apply
If your idea is chosen, you’ll get:
$2,000 for you and $1,000 for your partner
10 weeks of free training from October 1 – December 5, 2025
Workshops and mentorship to grow your idea
Networking with other creatives, community leaders, and city officials
A chance to showcase your project to funders and supporters
And you keep full ownership of your idea — it’s yours!
Important Dates
| Happenings to Know | Date |
|---|---|
| Apply By | September 15, 2025 (5 PM) |
| Winners Announced | Late September 2025 |
| Program Runs | October 1 – December 5, 2025 |
How to Apply
Applying is easy:
1. Come up with your idea
2. Find a partner in the neighborhood where your idea will happen
3. Get two letters: A letter of support from someone in the community | A letter of commitment from your partner
4. Go online and submit your application📝 Apply here: https://www.creativephl.org/shapephilly/
Why This Program Matters
Philadelphia is full of dreamers, doers, and creatives.
This program is your chance to share your ideas, connect with your neighbors, and make real change happen.
Your idea can shape the future of Philly.
📅 Deadline: September 11, 2025
🌐 Apply Today: https://www.creativephl.org/shapephilly/
📧 Questions? Email arts@phila.gov
