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.

  • San Jose, CA // 2013

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for the organization's project to improve worker health and safety in California.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Working Hands Legal Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Austin, TX // 2013

    Workers Defense Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2013

    United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities

    General support.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    The American Prospect

    Support for substantive reporting and analysis of workers' rights issues.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Immokalee, FL // 2013

    Student/Farmworker Alliance

    General support.
    Awarded
    $35,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2013

    Public Justice Center

    Support to research and educate policymakers about public opinions on workplace issues.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Public Citizen Foundation

    Support for comprehensive advocacy in the administration, Congress and the courts to improve federal standards for workers' health and safety.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Ewing, NJ // 2013

    New Jersey Work Environment Council

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Public Radio

    Support for on-air coverage of issues related to low-wage workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights