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.

  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Georgia Justice Project

    Support for Georgia Justice Project to expand expungement access across Georgia and to advocate for policy reforms that help reduce reentry barriers for those with previous criminal legal system involvement.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ridgeland, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Today

    Support for investigative reporting on Mississippi's criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,00
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Inc.

    Support for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to support systems involved persons in their leadership growth to positively impact the Metcalfe Park community in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan // 2024

    Delta Project

    Support to Delta Project to change the negative narratives of justice-involved youth and their families.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boulder, CO // 2024

    Motus Theatre

    Support for theatrical performances to reform youth justice in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    United Way of Greater Atlanta

    Support for the Georgia Justice Funders Table, a pooled fund to support coordinated criminal legal reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    BLOC Education Fund

    Support for the Bloc Education Fund to build a Court Watch and Justice Transformation Task Force meant to reduce the reliance on the carceral system in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    Institute for Public Service Reporting

    Support for data gathering and investigative reporting in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Spero Justice Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice