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.

  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Worksafe

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2017

    Working Partnerships USA

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    American University

    Support to the Justice Programs Office at American University School of Public Affairs to incorporate civil legal aid into state and local executive branch initiatives that serve low-income and vulnerable populations.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • San Francisco, CA // 2017

    State Bar of California

    Support for a project to simplify the process for restoring civil rights and benefits that are lost as a result of criminal arrest or conviction which can serve as a model for other legal areas to improve access to justice. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Berkeley, CA // 2017

    The Regents of the University of California

    Support to the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at UC Berkeley for a conference to promote racial equity and inclusion.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Do Something, Inc.

    Support for Temporary Employee LLC's targeted distribution of a documentary film promoting temporary workers' rights at advocacy events. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Alliance for Justice

    Support to conduct an assessment of and develop a strategic plan for the Bolder Advocacy Initiative.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    The Constitution Project

    General support to build capacity for advancing social justice policies. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

    General support including activities around the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless's 30th anniversary year. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund