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.

  • New York, NY // 2021

    LatinoJustice PRLDEF

    Support for Reenvision Justicia, LJP’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Education Trust

    Support for the implementation of Pell grants restoration for incarcerated students.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Sulphur, LA // 2021

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to expand the network of impacted families, elevate the family perspective, and educate systems professionals on family engagement and alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Equity and Transformation

    Support for community organizing efforts to build social and economic equity for Black Chicagoans engaged in the informal economy, COVID-19 mutual aid, and coalition building to reduce Cook County's jail population.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    Hispanics In Philanthropy

    Support to Justice for Migrant Women for a national essential worker’s strategy and farmworker women organizing, in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    National Juvenile Justice Network

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    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
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Domestic Workers Alliance

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Jobs with Justice Education Fund

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Newark, NJ // 2020

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $602,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice