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.

  • Chicago, IL // 2014

    Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC)

    Support to provide technical assistance to three counties to divert pretrial defendants from jail to Medicaid-funded community-based behavioral health treatment.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth

    Support for the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Families Against Mandatory Minimums

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2014

    ColorofChange.org Education Fund

    Support to utilize cutting-edge technological innovations in online organizing to engage more people of color in criminal justice reform advocacy.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    University Legal Services

    Support for an advocacy effort to ensure transparency and public input in the process to determine provisions of healthcare treatment for inmates of DC Jail.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

    Support for the Human Right to Housing Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The George Washington University

    Support for the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership's project, Where Health Meets Justice Fellowship.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    27 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    National Criminal Justice Association

    Support to educate NCJA membership about pretrial reform and assist target State Administering Agencies in taking a leadership role on pretrial reform in their jurisdictions.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2014

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support to promote fiscal incentives for use of alternatives to youth incarceration and to lead a campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2014

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for research and advocacy to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice