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.

  • Charlottesville, VA // 2015

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support for advocacy to promote alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Evanston, IL // 2015

    Youth Justice Initiative of Illinois

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2015

    Colorado Juvenile Defender Center

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2015

    Citizens for Youth Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    Children’s Defense Fund – NY

    Support to advocate for more developmentally-appropriate juvenile justice policies in New York.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Phoenix, AZ // 2015

    Children’s Action Alliance

    Support for the Justice for Arizona Youth Program.
    Awarded
    $65,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Center for Public Integrity

    Support to conduct independent investigative reporting on juvenile justice issues.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    American Civil Liberties Union Foundation

    Support to advocate for state policy reforms to reduce youth incarceration rates, end the practice of trying youth as adults and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2015

    Texas Public Policy Foundation

    Support for TPPF's Foundation Center for Effective Justice to continue criminal justice reform efforts in Texas and generate national support for criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Shelton, CT // 2015

    Recovery Network of Programs

    Support for a pilot project to divert from jail detention previously uninsured people with substance abuse and mental health needs by providing community-based treatment.
    Awarded
    $89,416
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice