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.

  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Terence Crutcher Foundation

    Support for Terence Crutcher Foundation, which employs advocacy, organizing, outreach, and rapid response services to support criminal and youth justice reform in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Echoing Green

    Support for BIPOC leaders developing targeted solutions to the systemic challenges in their communities.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Rich Family Ministries

    Support for Rich Family Ministries' Participatory Defense Project.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2023

    Southern Movement Committee

    General
    Awarded
    $132,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2023

    EX-incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO)

    General
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    2023
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Columbia University

    Support for Emerging Adults Justice Project in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2023

    Georgia Justice Project

    Support for Georgia Justice Project to expand expungement access across Georgia and to advocate for policy reforms that help reduce reentry barriers for those with previous criminal legal system involvement.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    The Marshall Project

    Support The Marshall Project's ability to continue to investigate and publish high-impact journalism and criminal justice, expand its news offerings for people in jails and prisons – including the launch of Inside Story, increase its presence in local news, and strengthen the national news team.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice