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.

  • Washington, DC // 2017

    American University

    Support to the Justice Programs Office at American University School of Public Affairs to incorporate civil legal aid into state and local executive branch initiatives that serve low-income and vulnerable populations.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    National Legal Aid & Defender Association

    Support for training and technical assistance to increase access to federal resources for civil legal services organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Self-Represented Litigation Network. 
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Indianapolis, IN // 2016

    National Association of IOLTA Programs

    Support to promote civil legal aid to private philanthropy through IOLTA program leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Justice Lab.
    Awarded
    $40,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2016

    National Center for State Courts

    Support for advancing the meaningful Access to Justice for All project.
    Awarded
    $1,250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Voices for Civil Justice: A Breakthrough Strategic Communications Initiative for Civil Legal Aid.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Legal Services Corporation

    Support to further improve data collection and analysis for its grantees to more effectively manage their respective operations and increase financial support for their work.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support toåÊcontinue the Access to Justice Commissions Expansion Project.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Baltimore, MD // 2015

    Public Justice Center

    Support to implement a targeted fundraising strategy to bolster and sustain the National Coalition for a Right to Civil Counsel.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid