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 // 2022

    Council for Court Excellence

    Support to produce two annual updates to the local landscape analysis, “D.C.’s Justice Systems: An Overview.”
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Operation Restoration

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen Operation Resortaions' operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen Michigan Center for Youth Justice's operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2022

    Hmong American Women’s Association

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to the African American Roundtable to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to Women on the Rise to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen CCJRC's operating and programmatic infrastructure.  
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to People's Advocacy Institute to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen Voices for a Second Chance's operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2022

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for statewide policy advocacy and to strengthen the coalition of organizations advancing justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2022

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Oklahoma Justice Fund, a pooled fund that works to reduce incarceration and boost economic mobility of system-impacted people across Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform