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 Orleans, LA // 2015

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for an advocacy campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Louisiana and to remove youth from adult jail in New Orleans.
    Awarded
    $170,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    National Youth Justice Network

    To support an independent evaluation of its Youth Justice Leadership Institute.
    Awarded
    $45,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to provide technical assistance to the Illinois Department of Youth Justice on improving aftercare services for youth.
    Awarded
    $185,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2015

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    To support research on effective alternative-to-incarceration programs for youth of color.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2015

    National Health Law Program

    Support to train and assist legal advocates seeking to enforce Medicaid provisions in the face of the new case law affecting access to the courts in state and local jurisdictions.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Self-Represented Litigation Network for the development of a national online tool for the self-represented litigation service innovation.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • San Francisco, CA // 2015

    Executives’ Alliance to Expand Opportunities for Boys and Men of Color

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Lexington, KY // 2015

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support for advocacy, litigation, and coalition building to advance policy remedies for wage theft.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2015

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for research and advocacy on workplace policy issues.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights