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 // 2019

    American University

    Support to the DCist to pursue community led reporting on criminal justice-related stories in D.C. wards east of the river grappling with incarceration and violence.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Race Forward

    Support for Race Forward’s Mass Freedom: Confronting Mass Criminalization project.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Safe Passages

    Support to Advance Peace, an initiative that partners with cities committed to interrupting the cycle of violence and incarceration.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Independent Arts & Media

    Support for the production of a criminal justice centered documentary from The Atlantic.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2019

    WISDOM

    Support for Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) to advance the Justice Reinvestment in Wisconsin campaign.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Worksafe

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    School Justice Project

    Support to ensure older, court-involved youth with education-related disabilities receive quality education, both during incarceration and throughout reentry.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Whitesburg, KY // 2019

    Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2019

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for fundraising technical assistance to Workers’ Rights grantees.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights