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.

  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Columbia, SC // 2014

    National Association of IOLTA Programs

    Support to promote civil legal aid to private philanthropy through IOLTA program leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2014

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to strengthen the role of the judiciary in advancing access to justice.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    New Venture Fund

    Support for activities to strengthen the Self-Represented Litigation Network in its effort to develop and promote self-help resources for increasing access to justice for low-income people within the courts.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Baltimore, MD // 2014

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the National Coalition for a Right to Civil Counsel, which is working on behalf of indigent litigants.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2014

    State Bar of California

    Support to implement a statewide capacity-building, coordination and assessment program to pilot practical training programs for recent law school graduates serving moderate-income people in California.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

    Support to promote and raise the profile of civil legal aid through a variety of forums and activities within its nationwide network.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers

    Support to enhance networking and strengthen connections in the DC philanthropic community, thereby reaching new audiences for philanthropic engagement and an increase of revenue for the organization.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Whitesburg, KY // 2014

    Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center

    Support for the Coal Miner Health and Safety Project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    Beyond OSHA

    Support for the Beyond OSHA Project's campaign to secure improved worker protection to prevent silicosis.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights