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

    New Venture Fund

    Support for the Self-Represented Litigation Network.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2019

    National Network of Abortion Funds

    Support for Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund.
    Awarded
    $35,984
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Iona, ID // 2019

    Association for State Correctional Administrators

    Support to increase access to college for incarcerated students.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support to provide training for families to engage and take on leadership roles in states with active Youth First campaigns.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support for DC Fund for Just and Peaceful Neighborhoods.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform to convene the Juvenile Justice Leadership Network.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Community Works

    Support for the Transformational Prison Project.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2019

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Performing Statistics for youth led advocacy to end youth incarceration through arts based programming and exhibits.  
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Columbia University

    Support to the Justice Lab for the Youth Correctional leaders for Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Trace Media Inc

    Support to produce a series of stories investigating the intersection of gun violence prevention, justice reform, and economic equality.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities