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.

  • Hapeville, GA // 2025

    Women on the Rise

    General support for Women on the Rise.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justsice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Voice of the Experienced

    To continue support to build the leadership of directly impacted people and scaling initiatives, advocating for removing housing barriers for returning citizens, and organizing to eliminate harsh farm lines at Angola State Penitentiary. VOTE will also continue to advocate for nonunanimous jury retroactivity and improved medical care for formerly and currently incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Promise of Justice Intitiative

    To support PJI's statewide criminal legal reform efforts aimed at improving prison conditions and decarcerating the incarcerated population.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Memphis, TN // 2025

    Memphis Artists for Change

    Support for an organizing fellowship.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Tulsa, OK // 2025

    Oklahoma Policy Institute

    Support for an update to the landscape analysis of the juvenile justice systems in Oklahoma and continue developing Oklahoma Policy Institute’s capacity for research and youth justice policy advocacy in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $360,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Tulsa, OK // 2025

    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
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2025

    MLK50: Justice Through Journalism

    Support for public safety reporting and community engagement in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    University of Baltimore Foundation

    Support to build capacity at the Center for Criminal Justice Reform to advocate on issues related to mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2025

    Nation Outside

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