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 // 2017

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Self-Represented Litigation Network. 
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    National Youth Justice Network

    Support for targeted networking and capacity building activities among state-based advocacy member groups to advance juvenile justice reform. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    7 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Center for Progressive Reform

    Support for occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for state and local advocacy. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2017

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Make the Road New York

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2017

    Public Health Advocacy Institute

    Support for Beyond OSHA which focuses on occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for advocates.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • St. Louis, MO // 2017

    ArchCity Defenders

    Support to Civil Rights Corps, for initial organizational development support for its innovative work on creating effective legal challenges to systematic injustices within the criminal justice system. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund