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 // 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
  • Lansdowne, VA // 2017

    Prison Fellowship Ministries

    Support to mobilize grassroots prison ministry volunteers to advance sentencing reform in target states. 
    Awarded
    $320,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Richmond, VA // 2017

    Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $35,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2017

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to supplement and extend the time for its project to catalyze and help courts, Access to Justice Commissions, and legal aid/bar leaders work together in partnership in targeted states to implement the goal of 100% access as called for by the chief judicial officers of the state courts. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    21 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Lansdowne, VA // 2016

    Prison Fellowship Ministries

    Support to conduct advocacy and mobilize conservative grassroots membership to support state juvenile justice reform campaigns to reduce youth incarceration and transfer of youth to the adult system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2016

    National Center for State Courts

    Support for a national multimedia community engagement project on public trust and confidence in the courts.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2016

    National Center for State Courts

    Support for advancing the meaningful Access to Justice for All project.
    Awarded
    $1,250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2016

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to close two juvenile correctional centers and reinvest the savings into community based services.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Alexandria, VA // 2016

    International Association of Chiefs of Police

    Support for activities to educate law enforcement about the need for pretrial detention reform, and develop leadership among police to advance reform.
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    7 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2015

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to foster state court education and leadership on pretrial detention reform rights.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice