Grants

Investing in nonprofits that are advancing a new, transformative system of justice with the core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all.

Grants Overview


Public Welfare Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that honor the Foundation’s core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all. The Foundation looks for strategic points where its funds can make a significant difference and improve lives through policy and system reform that results in transformative change.

The Foundation funds organizations that currently hold a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service working in the United States. Organizations that do not have this status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The Foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, direct services, or international projects.

Grant Types: How We Fund the Work

General Support Grants

General support grants are for day-to-day operating costs or to further the work of your organization. These grants are not earmarked for a particular program or project.

Program or Project Support Grants

Program or project support grants support a specific program or activity of the organization. These are restricted grants and must be used for that program or project.

Special Opportunities Grants

The Special Opportunities Program supports projects reflecting the Foundation’s mission and underlying values. These are one-time only grants that are especially timely and compelling. At times, this kind of grant serves as a laboratory for new ideas.

Grants Awarded

Public Welfare Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Please see our database below to see what we have funded. Filter grants by fiscal year and program area.

  • New York, NY // 2025

    Zealous

    Support for communications skill building for partners.
    Awarded
    $111,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Peace for DC

    Support narrative change efforts for a safe and peaceful DC.
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Portland, OR // 2025

    Stand for Children Leadership Center

    Support for advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building efforts for youth justice in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Unheard Voices Outreach

    Support for formerly incarcerated person led advocacy in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2025

    Foundation for Liberating Minds

    Support to Foundation for Liberating Minds.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    The Second Look Project

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the impact and likelihood of extreme sentences for D.C. residents.
    Awarded
    $132,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Neighbors for Justice

    Support for formerly incarcerated led justice reform advocacy in Washington D.C.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Out for Justice

    Support to build capacity for formally incarcerated people to learn and advocate on issues related to reducing mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justce
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Inc.

    Support to continue the Youth Justice Partnership Fund.
    Awarded
    $420,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    African American Roundtable

    Support to African American Roundtable.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice