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.

  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Grassroots Leadership

    Support to end for-profit incarceration and reduce reliance on criminalization and detention through organizing, research, advocacy, and public education.
    Awarded
    $147,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2018

    New World Foundation

    Support for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Pacifica Foundation, dba WPFW

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    Support to advance criminal justice reforms and better address the needs of survivors of crime, people convicted of crime, and the families of both.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Tides Center

    Support for Alliance for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    FAMM

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southerners On New Ground

    Support for a 12-week Community Organizing Apprenticeship for formerly incarcerated African American mothers and caretakers.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Tides Center

    Support for the Black Census Project, an initiative of the Black Futures Lab.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Worcester, MA // 2018

    EPOCA INC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $5,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Economic Policy Institute

    Support for research at the nexus of enforcement and forced arbitration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights