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.

  • San Francisco, CA // 2022

    Tides Center

    Support for the Powell Project to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 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
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • 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
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Austin, TX // 2020

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support to advance adult and youth justice reforms in Texas.
    Awarded
    $670,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2020

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for statewide policy advocacy and coalition building to advance justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2020

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support to advance policies to reduce Michigan’s over-use of incarceration and promote community safety and healing.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2020

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona and community-based reinvestment initiatives.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Human Rights Watch

    Support for advocacy and implementation work around California’s reforms in youth transfer and sentencing laws.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice