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.

  • New York, NY // 2024

    Catalyze Justice

    General support to Catalyze Justice.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    2024
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Anchorage, AK // 2024

    Koahnic Broadcast Corporation

    Support for a Native Americans in the Justice System series to comprehensively cover criminal justice issues from Native perspectives.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    JustCity, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    2024
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Free Hearts

    General support to Free Hearts.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2024

    Youth Law Center

    Support to transform youth justice and child welfare system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Colorado Circles for Change

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    $150,000
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    National Public Radio

    Support for National Public Radio's (NPR) coverage of adult criminal and youth justice reform and to fund two criminal justice education fly-in sessions in Washington DC (one per year).
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support the Greater Washington Community Foundation's work around the Guaranteed Income Pilot in Washington D.C. This pilot program encompasses support efforts of free cash assistance to low-income residents in Washington D.C. Maryland, and Virginia leading the GWCF creating the Let's Go DMV campaign to provide economic prosperity across the Greater Washington region.
    Awarded
    $205,060
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Baltimore, MD // 2024

    Maryland Center on Economic Policy

    To support the creation and dissemination of a criminal legal landscape report for Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2024

    Foundation For Louisiana

    Support for The Louisiana Justice Fund.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice