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 // 2018

    United Workers Association

    General support and program support for a workers' rights coalition. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2018

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the Workplace Justice Project. 
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Des Moines, IA // 2018

    Youth Policy Institute of Iowa

    Support for the Youth Justice Work Group of the Youth Transition Funders Group. 
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    New Venture Fund

    Support for the Youth First State Advocacy Fund. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2018

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to RISE Youth Campaign which works to create and expand community alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Urban Institute

    Support to provide research and data support to Youth First and state campaigns advocating for youth prison closures and investment in effective community programs. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2018

    Voice of the Experienced

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $385,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2018

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $485,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $511,335
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Brunswick, NJ // 2017

    Rutgers University – Center for Innovation in Worker Organization

    Support for education state and local labor departments on strategic enforcement practices. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights