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

    Neighborhood Legal Services Program for the District of Columbia

    Support to undertake a community listening and engagement study with low-income residents to assess from their perspectives challenges and barriers to addressing legal needs of low-income communities in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $22,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Jackson, MS // 2013

    Mississippi Center for Justice

    Support to assist legal services organizations and pro bono attorneys in New Jersey and New York with Hurricane Sandy legal recovery efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2013

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to expand civil legal aid through the novel use of a new technology to improve pro bono case management.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    DC Volunteer Lawyers Project

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

    DC Bar Foundation

    Support for a special fundraising and capacity building effort to increase resources for and access to civil legal aid in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $13,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2013

    Columbia School of Law

    Support to host a convening of advocates to develop a national policy agenda and briefing paper on LGBTQ concerns in relation to criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2013

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support to produce publications about community-based alternatives to incarceration for high-risk youth.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2013

    Texans Care for Children

    Support to facilitate the Youth Justice Roundtable and advocate for the effective implementation of policies that promote alternatives to youth incarceration in Texas.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2013

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support to advocate for reforms to reduce the reliance on incarceration in the juvenile justice system and the transfer of youth to the adult system in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Raleigh, NC // 2013

    NC Child

    Support for a campaign to end the automatic adult prosecution of 16- and 17-year olds and work to expand evidence-based alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $85,200
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice