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 // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen Voices for a Second Chance's operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2022

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for statewide policy advocacy and to strengthen the coalition of organizations advancing justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2022

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Oklahoma Justice Fund, a pooled fund that works to reduce incarceration and boost economic mobility of system-impacted people across Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Atlanta, GA // 2022

    Martin Luther King Sr Community Resources Collaborative

    Support for the Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration (EMI) to lead a multifaith approach to advance justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Detroit, MI // 2022

    Wayne State University

    Support to the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice to produce an updated data landscape report on Michigan's adult and youth legal systems.
    Awarded
    $217,773
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Atlanta, GA // 2022

    Atlanta/Fulton County Prearrest Diversion Initiative Inc.

    Support for Atlanta Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative to foster a new approach to community safety and wellness in Fulton County.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    Support for East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Coalition to decarcerate East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, prevent harm inside the jail, and build power among directly impacted families through education, advocacy, and public awareness.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to Communities for Just Schools Fund to end the school-to-prison pipeline, advance youth justice, and create healthy and equitable learning environments.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2022

    EX-incarcerated People Organizing

    Support to advance EXPO's justice reinvestment efforts in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Youth First State Advocacy Fund for state-based advocacy campaigns focused on redirecting resources from youth prisons to community-based approaches, rooted in racial equity.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform