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.

  • Mechanicsville, VA // 2020

    Women’s Institute for Science Equity and Race

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Research Foundation of the City University of New York

    Support to the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College to organize a journalism fellowship focused on the future of youth justice reform.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    National Crittenton Foundation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance to youth justice stakeholders on building a continuum of community-based supports and services for girls.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2020

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation, policy reform, and public education to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies.
    Awarded
    $215,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2020

    Community Partners

    Support for Healing Dialogue and Action.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety & Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2020

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New Orleans, LA // 2020

    Foundation for Louisiana

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts.
    Awarded
    $85,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2020

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities