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.

  • Knoxville, TN // 2023

    Community Defense of East Tennessee

    Support for organizing and advocacy in East Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $43,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2023

    Southern Movement Committee

    General
    Awarded
    $132,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to People's Advocacy Institute for Jackson Water Relief Efforts
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the Mississippi Justice Funders Collaborative, a pooled fund to support coordinated criminal legal reform in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the People’s Advocacy Institute (PAI).
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to People's Advocacy Institute to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Nashville, TN // 2019

    Raphah Institute

    Support for a Restorative Justice Diversion Program in Nashville Juvenile Court.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice