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.

  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for The Freedom Institute to serve as a local anchor organization in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for Columbia University’s Justice Lab to transform the Colorado Department of Corrections Youthful Offender System.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Council for Court Excellence

    Support to produce an annual update to the local D.C. landscape analysis: “D.C.’s Justice Systems: An Overview.”
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    Support to provide increased member organizing capacity, advocacy training, promote restorative practices, and organize the community of returning citizens.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Sulphur, LA // 2021

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to expand the network of impacted families, elevate the family perspective, and educate systems professionals on family engagement and alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Easthampton, MA // 2021

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct data analyses and produce research to guide and inform public discourse on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Selma, AL // 2021

    The Knights & Orchids Society Inc

    Support to My Sistah's House to expand Tiny Homes Project, and provide a continuum of services to support the health and wellbeing of black transgender individuals in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Birmingham, AL // 2021

    Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering

    Support to provide direct services and capacity-building support for trans people of color in Alabama navigating the intersectional oppression of mass incarceration, racism, and transphobia.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2021

    Transcending Barriers Atlanta Inc

    Support for grassroots organizing efforts, direct services, and conducting research to advance economic justice and end mass incarceration of transgender and gender non-conforming communities in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities