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.

  • Covington, KY // 2014

    Children’s Law Center

    Support for advocacy, education, and research to reduce youth detention and incarceration rates in the juvenile justice system, and decrease the number of youth tried as adults in Ohio.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2014

    UCLA School of Law

    Support for UCLA School of Law's Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy for its Jail Removal Project to provide jurisdictions with guidance on how to end the practice of detaining youth in adult jails.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to help Governor Cuomo's Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice develop a plan for raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in New York.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2014

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for research and advocacy to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2014

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support to promote fiscal incentives for use of alternatives to youth incarceration and to lead a campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice