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.

  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s Senior Fellow focused on coordinating private and public community safety and harm reduction efforts in Washington D.C.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support to advance policy reform with regard to D.C.’s approach to justice-involved young adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Council for Court Excellence

    General operating support to CCE for strategic planning and fund its ongoing work to advance public safety initiatives in the District.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    National Public Radio

    Support for National Public Radio's (NPR) coverage of adult criminal and youth justice reform and to fund two criminal justice education fly-in sessions in Washington DC (one per year).
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support the Greater Washington Community Foundation's work around the Guaranteed Income Pilot in Washington D.C. This pilot program encompasses support efforts of free cash assistance to low-income residents in Washington D.C. Maryland, and Virginia leading the GWCF creating the Let's Go DMV campaign to provide economic prosperity across the Greater Washington region.
    Awarded
    $205,060
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    One Voice

    Support for One Voice to continue criminal justice reform and violence interruption work in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project

    Support for grassroots advocacy focused on gun violence prevention and intervention in Washington D.C.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    School Justice Project

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Justice Reform Strategies, LLC

    Public Sentiment Campaign
    Awarded
    $66,000
    Term
    Program
    Narrative Change