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.

  • Oakland, CA // 2016

    ColorOfChange.Org Education Fund

    Support to utilize innovations in online organizing to engage more people of color in criminal justice reform advocacy, including state-based sentencing reform campaigns.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2016

    Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice

    Support for the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center to develop and implement litigation strategies for reducing transfer of youth to the adult system in California.
    Awarded
    $165,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lincoln, NE // 2016

    Nebraska Appleseed

    Support for advocacy and coalition building to improve health and safety policies for meatpacking workers.
    Awarded
    $105,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Smithsonian Institution

    Support for exhibition development and construction of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Des Moines, IA // 2016

    Youth Policy Institute of Iowa

    Support for the Youth Justice Work Group of the Youth Transition Funders Group.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Wilmington, DE // 2016

    Delaware Center for Justice

    Support for advocacy to advance policies that promote sentencing reform and reduce racial disparities.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Urban Institute

    Support to provide research and data support to Youth First! and its partners advocating for youth decarceration reforms in the states.
    Awarded
    $165,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Communities for Just Schools Fund to host a convening for school discipline and juvenile justice reform advocates.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2016

    Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project

    Support to ensure effective representation of individuals in Pennsylvania whose juvenile life without parole sentences are eligible for review under Montgomery v. Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Southwest Key Programs, Inc.

    Support to the National Alianza for Latino Justice to develop a strategic plan for promoting the fair treatment of Latino youth in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice