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 Orleans, LA // 2024

    Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana

    Support for the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana’s Fees & Costs Reform Project and Louisiana Stop Solitary Coalition.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Atlanta/Fulton County Prearrest Diversion Initiative Inc.

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    School Justice Project

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2024

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for a youth policy data fellow embedded within Michigan’s State Court Administrator’s Office
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Milwaukee Turners, Inc

    Support for the Milwaukee Turners to confront mass incarceration through supporting formerly incarcerated young people and adults in their return home.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2024

    Stand for Children Leadership Center

    Support for advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building efforts for youth justice in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Unheard Voices Outread

    Support for formerly incarcerated person-led advocacy in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Think Tennessee

    Support for the first landscape report of Tennessee’s criminal legal system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Justice Reform Strategies, LLC

    Public Sentiment Campaign
    Awarded
    $66,000
    Term
    Program
    Narrative Change