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.

  • Kalamazoo, MI // 2022

    Western Michigan University Foundation

    Support for a second cohort of systems impacted Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows.
    Awarded
    $199,327
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen Michigan Center for Youth Justice's operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • 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
  • Lansing, MI // 2022

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support to advance policies to decrease prison population, increase public investment in services, and decrease collateral consequences of criminal convictions.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Sentencing Project

    Support for advocacy work in DC and Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Lansing, MI // 2021

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support to Nation Outside, a statewide grassroots organization led by formerly incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Detroit, MI // 2021

    Mothering Justice

    Support for Michigan Liberation Education Fund to increase the leadership of formerly incarcerated people in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Kalamazoo, MI // 2021

    Western Michigan University Foundation

    Support for the Lewis Walker Institute to develop an advocacy and organizing training program for system-impacted youth in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2021

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Detroit, MI // 2021

    Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

    Support for the Michigan Justice Fund, an initiative to coordinate justice reform efforts in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform