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.

  • Nashville, TN // 2019

    Raphah Institute

    Support for a Restorative Justice Diversion Program in Nashville Juvenile Court.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support for the planning and incubation of a national Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Phoenix, AZ // 2019

    Puente Human Rights Movement

    General support.
    Awarded
    $60,350
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    Support for the Participatory Defense Movement-NOLA.
    Awarded
    $85,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Human Rights Watch

    Support for advocacy and implementation work around California’s reforms in youth transfer and sentencing laws.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2019

    Detroit Justice Center

    Support to build capacity of criminal justice organizers in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $68,700
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Tides Foundation

    Support for Life Comes From It.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Dallas, TX // 2019

    The Afiya Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $35,984
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    ColorOfChange.Org Education Fund

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    Strategic support.
    Awarded
    $35,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice