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.

  • Los Angeles, CA // 2014

    UCLA School of Law

    Support for UCLA School of Law's Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy for its Jail Removal Project to provide jurisdictions with guidance on how to end the practice of detaining youth in adult jails.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2014

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2014

    Youth Radio

    Support for the Youth Justice Desk, which produces media stories on juvenile justice from the perspective of youth, including incarcerated youth.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2014

    State Bar of California

    Support to implement a statewide capacity-building, coordination and assessment program to pilot practical training programs for recent law school graduates serving moderate-income people in California.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2014

    Los Angeles Alliance For A New Economy

    Support for the Clean and Safe Ports Campaign, a coordinated national campaign to improve employment conditions and end misclassification of truckers operating at the ports.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2014

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support to organize and support progressive state legislators across the country through the organization's Workers' Rights Project.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2014

    UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program

    Support for a convening of worker centers and others to reflect and learn more about health and safety issues.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Bakersfield, CA // 2014

    Dolores Huerta Foundation

    Support to update technological equipment as the group transitions to a new fundraising base and approach.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund