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.

  • Detroit, MI // 2023

    Mothering Justice

    Support for Michigan Liberation Education Fund.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Four Winds American Indian Council

    Support to establish a Participatory Defense Hub and community base building epicenter.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2023

    Tides Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc.

    Support for the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma to train local leaders and activists on restorative approaches to transforming the criminal legal system in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Still She Rises Inc

    Support for Still She Rises to decrease the negative impact of fines and fees and inequitable due process on women and families in Tulsa County.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2023

    Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2023

    Second Chances Staffing Services

    Support for Second Chance Staffing Services for the research and development of the "Second Chance Expungement Help Desk."
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2023

    The Community Ltd.

    Support to The Community Ltd to build its narrative campaigns focused on highlighting the successes, humanity, and agency of people with criminal records.
    Awarded
    100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General Support
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Lansing, MI // 2023

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for Nation Outside to organize formerly incarcerated leaders in Michigan.
    Awarded
    400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform