William Penn Foundation Grants $7.6M to Support Low-Income and Disabled Museum-Goers in Philadelphia

The funds will benefit six cultural institutions and the organization that administers the ACCESS program.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The William Penn Foundation has announced $7.6 million in grants to support access to museums for low-income families and people with disabilities in the Philadelphia area. The funds will go to six cultural institutions that participate in the ACCESS program, which provides heavily discounted tickets, as well as to Art-Reach, the organization that administers the program.

Why it matters

The ACCESS program has been an effective way to increase equity and accessibility to Philadelphia's cultural institutions, which are an important part of the city's vibrant arts and tourism scene. This significant grant from the William Penn Foundation will help ensure that low-income residents and those with disabilities can continue to enjoy and benefit from the educational and enriching experiences these museums provide.

The details

The grants will be distributed based on the number of ACCESS visitors each institution received during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The six organizations receiving funds are the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, the Morris Arboretum and Gardens, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Please Touch Museum. Art-Reach, which administers the ACCESS program, also received financial support. The ACCESS program allows people who receive public assistance or identify as having a disability to purchase heavily discounted tickets to nearly 100 participating cultural institutions in the Philadelphia area.

  • The William Penn Foundation announced the $7.6 million in grants earlier this week.
  • The Philadelphia Zoo joined the ACCESS program in February 2025.

The players

William Penn Foundation

A philanthropic organization that provides grants to support various initiatives in the Philadelphia region.

Art-Reach

The organization that administers the ACCESS program, which provides discounted museum tickets to low-income and disabled individuals in Philadelphia.

John Orr

The executive director of Art-Reach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ACCESS was built 11 years ago by the Philadelphia residents who relied on SNAP and Medicaid benefits. Since then, it has been embraced by the cultural sector and has grown into one of the most effective equity programs in the country.”

— John Orr, Executive Director, Art-Reach

The takeaway

This grant from the William Penn Foundation demonstrates a commitment to improving access and equity to Philadelphia's cultural institutions, ensuring that low-income residents and those with disabilities can continue to benefit from the enriching experiences these museums provide.