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.

  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for youth justice advocacy and organizing work in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Amherst, MA // 2021

    Peace Development Fund

    Support for I Am Why to bring young women and gender expansive activists together with researchers and other partners to increase individual and collective power.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Praxis Project

    Support for the UndocuBlack Network to create inclusive immigrant and racial justice movements.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    The Lens

    Support for criminal and youth justice focused investigative journalism in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Savannah, GA // 2020

    Deep Center

    Support for Still Astronauts, an initiative that empowers directly impacted communities with advocacy skills to transform Georgia's local and state justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Resilience Partners NFP

    Support to the TRiiBE to produce original news content and programs to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Durham, NC // 2021

    Forward Justice

    Support to advance narrative change strategies to usher a cultural shift that humanizes justice-involved people.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Azusa, CA // 2021

    Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals Inc

    Support for the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program’s Worker Hub and Social Enterprise Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities