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.

  • Milwaukee, WI // 2021

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Support to create the Milwaukee DYFS Youth Justice Partnership Fund.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for the Justice Lab to provide technical assistance to systems stakeholders for youth justice and young adult justice reform efforts in Colorado and Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2021

    Hmong American Women’s Association

    Support for LiberateMKE, a campaign calling for divestment from police and reinvestment into communities.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to conduct an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Lansing, MI // 2021

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support to Nation Outside, a statewide grassroots organization led by formerly incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Detroit, MI // 2021

    Mothering Justice

    Support for Michigan Liberation Education Fund to increase the leadership of formerly incarcerated people in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide support for the advisory council of the People First Campaign.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement

    Support to improve outcomes for justice-involved youth.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities