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.

  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    ColorOfChange.Org Education Fund

    Support to provide digital organizing training to, and engage Color of Change members in, state-based campaigns calling for youth prison closures and reinvestment in communities of color. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    Youth Radio

    Support to develop a National Youth Justice Desk.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2018

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Calabasas, CA // 2018

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for National Alianza for Latino Youth Justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Louisville, KY // 2018

    Kentucky Youth Advocates

    Support to advocate on improving Kentucky policies around the charging of youth, use of incarceration, and reducing racial disparities in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support for a campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to eighteen in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lexington, KY // 2018

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support to state advocacy for workplace policy.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Madison, WI // 2018

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for multi-state technical assistance on low-wage worker issues. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Diego, CA // 2018

    National COSH

    Support for a convening of organizers and advocates on sexual harassment and violence.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights