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.

  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    One Voice

    Support for One Voice to continue criminal justice reform and violence interruption work in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-N.O.

    Support for a data landscape analysis of criminal and youth justice in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $68,944
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    Support for Thrive Under 25 leadership.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    First 72+

    Support to the First 72+ Just Reentry Policy Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2022

    EX-incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO)

    Support for the FREE project at Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing, to ensure women in Milwaukee have access to, and the ability to advocate for, quality maternal health care in carceral and post-carceral settings.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to People's Advocacy Institute for Jackson Water Relief Efforts
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Operation Restoration

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Program support for Vera Louisiana to launch a criminal justice data dashboard.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform