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 // 2017

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Support to provide technical assistance to the Illinois Department of Youth Justice on improving aftercare services and meaningfully incorporating youth voice into agency-led reform efforts. 
    Awarded
    $185,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

    Support to train antipoverty advocates and legal aid lawyers in strategies to combat racism through its Racial Justice Training Institute. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

    Support to train antipoverty advocates and legal aid lawyers in strategies to combat racism through its Racial Justice Training Institute. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

    Support to build capacity for racial justice advocacy.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    National Legal Aid & Defender Association

    Support for training and technical assistance to increase access to federal resources for civil legal services organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • New York, NY // 2017

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for Blackbird. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New Orleans, LA // 2017

    Voice of the Ex-Offender

    Support to develop and implement a statewide sentencing reform campaign to reduce incarceration in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support to implement a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    9 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Sausalito, CA // 2017

    Small Business Majority Foundation, Inc.

    Support to research small business owners' views on workers' rights issues such as wage theft and workers' comp. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Justice in Motion

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $155,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights