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.

  • Washington, DC // 2013

    New Venture Fund

    Support to house a collective communications initiative that will create a common narrative in the media, casting a spotlight on the vital role of civil legal aid, ultimately leading to increased attention, support and resources for the sector.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Legal Aid and Defender Association

    Support for technical assistance and advocacy to increase access to federal resources for civil legal service organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Justice at Stake

    Support for the organization's "Fair Courts in the States" project, which aims to protect against efforts to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center for Effective Government

    Support for a campaign to advance a public narrative about the importance of government.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support to evaluate and continue to strengthen the Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    16 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • San Francisco, CA // 2013

    Tides Center

    Support to help launch the Talent Philanthropy Project for activities to encourage philanthropic investment in nonprofit talent and staff development to build the capacity of the social justice advocacy sector.
    Awarded
    $16,500
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    ONE DC

    Support for outreach and training activities to build the capacity of DC residents to advocate in a campaign for economic equality and living wage jobs.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Martinsville, VA // 2013

    New College Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Neighborhood Legal Services Program for the District of Columbia

    Support for organizational strategic planning with the help of a consultant.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund