Funding from The McClean Contributionship and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development will fuel neighborhood improvements

We are pleased to share two new sources of funding to fuel neighborhood improvements in 2026. Thanks to funds from The McClean Contributionship and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) in partnership with business partner ABM Industries, we’ll be able to continue important beautification and improvement projects and programs in University City.

The McLean Contributionship has awarded a $25,000 grant in support of a new surface for the Walnut Hill Community Playground, which is part of our larger efforts to revamp the neighborhood space in partnership with the Walnut Hill Community Association and Do Moore Good. To date, UCD has raised $175,000 for the playground’s renovation for new site amenities like a new retaining wall and garden, shade canopies, picnic tables, bike racks, and other improvements to make the space more welcoming to park-goers of all ages. 

This new funding will help UCD’s landscaping enterprise, Green City Works, install a new poured rubber play surface. This improvement is an essential step that ensures play safety by reducing current tripping hazards and meeting industry safety standards for head injury prevention.  

This latest award brings McLean’s lifetime contributions to UCD to $50,000. We are so grateful to have the support of The McLean Contributionship in this neighborhood enhancement project. Fundraising for the playground is ongoing, with approximately $179,000 still needed to complete the renovation. If you or your business are interested in learning more about funding opportunities for the Walnut Hill Community Playground, please reach out to Manager of Advancement Asia Whittenberger at awhittenberger@universitycity.org.

We are also happy to share that the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), in partnership with business partner ABM Industries, has renewed its NAP Tax Credit support for Project Rehab. With this $50,000 contribution for 2026, ABM has now contributed $150,000 in tax credit funds for Project Rehab since 2023. 

Led by team member Ryan Spak, Project Rehab supports the restoration of blighted and distressed properties in our community, while helping small businesses navigate the government, legal, and financial resources necessary for launching and running a business in University City. This critical resource is a lifeline for owners of distressed properties with complex barriers to rehabilitation, and business owners juggling the day-to-day demands of serving the community while obtaining the resources necessary to help their businesses thrive. 

Project Rehab is made possible by this critical partnership with DCED and ABM Industries. We are grateful for their continued support of UCD.