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.

  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for Women on the Rise, a grassroots organization led by directly impacted women working on justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Cypress, TX // 2021

    Jail Project of Texas

    Support to provide direct aid and transportation to families of incarcerated people in response to recent winter storms in the South.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2021

    Oklahoma Association of Youth Services

    Support for needs assessment and advocacy to grow a continuum of care for young people impacted by the juvenile justice system in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Norman, OK // 2021

    Oklahoma Watch

    Support for investigative reporting on Oklahoma’s criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    LatinoJustice PRLDEF

    Support for Reenvision Justicia, LJP’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    The Marshall Project

    Support to report on the U.S. criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2021

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support to serve as a local anchor organization in El Paso County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Education Trust

    Support for the implementation of Pell grants restoration for incarcerated students.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2021

    SocialWorx Institute, Inc

    Support for Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative Steering Team Association (LA-PRISTA).
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    MetCares Foundation

    Support to develop a fellowship program for directly impacted community organizers focusing on systemic change around criminal and youth justice.
    Awarded
    $155,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform