Membership Access Initiative
Expanding affordable and/or no-cost membership for small, neighborhood-based, BIPOC-led, and BIPOC-serving organizations across Greater Philadelphia.
More voices. More access. A stronger, richer cultural community in our Region.
The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s Membership Access Initiative is designed to make membership more accessible to small, neighborhood-based, BIPOC-led, and BIPOC-serving arts and cultural organizations throughout the region. The initiative reduces financial barriers to membership and expand access to the Cultural Alliance’s benefits, services, and opportunities—helping participating organizations strengthen their representation and participation within Greater Philadelphia’s cultural community. The Membership Access Initiative is supported by funding from the Board of Directors of City Trusts and Wyncote Foundation.
Organizations with annual operating budgets of $200,000 or less may be eligible for a one-year Cultural Alliance membership for $75.
Standard membership fees for organizations in this budget range are between $159 and $270, representing a discount of approximately 52% to 72%.
BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving organizations, with an operating budget of $200,000 or less, may be eligible for a one-year membership at no cost. Organizations may qualify as:
- BIPOC-led: More than half of the organization’s board of directors and/ or executive leadership identify as BIPOC.
- BIPOC-serving: The organization’s mission and primary programs principally serve BIPOC communities.
No-cost memberships are directly supported by funding from the Wyncote Foundation.
The initiative also welcomes neighborhood-based organizations, community development corporations, registered community organizations, civic associations, and other community-led nonprofits that incorporate arts and culture into their work. Eligible activities may include:
- Creative placemaking
- Public art
- Cultural heritage programs
- Neighborhood festivals
- Arts-based community development and revitalization strategies
Organizations do not need to identify exclusively as arts organizations to apply. Arts, culture, or heritage should be a meaningful part of their programs or community engagement.
Participating organizations will gain access to resources and opportunities designed to strengthen their work and increase their visibility, including:
- Regional arts advocacy
- Sector research and information
- Communications, networking, and peer connection opportunities
- Additional member programs and services
For a full list of Cultural Alliance benefits, click here.
Interested organizations must complete a brief application through Submittable and provide documentation confirming their eligibility.
Documentation may include:
- A recent Form 990, audited financial statement, or board-approved organizational budget
- Board and executive leadership information
- A mission statement and description of primary programs
- A description of relevant neighborhood-based or community cultural programming
This round of the Membership Access Initiative will remain available through June 2027. Questions about the initiative or eligibility may be directed to membership@philaculture.org.
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