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.

  • Seattle, WA // 2025

    ORS Impact

    To support ORS impact continued work in support evaluation research analysis across foundation sites.
    Awarded
    $489,800
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • New York, NY // 2025

    The Marshall Project

    Support for The Marshall Project's reporting on criminal justice nationally and in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    14 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Tulsa, OK // 2025

    Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

    Support for Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2025

    Michigan Justice Fund

    Support to the Michigan Justice Fund, a pooled fund to support coordinated justice reform efforts in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2025

    Detroit Justice Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    14 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    DC Justice Lab

    General support.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Hapeville, GA // 2025

    Women on the Rise

    General support for Women on the Rise.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justsice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Voice of the Experienced

    To continue support to build the leadership of directly impacted people and scaling initiatives, advocating for removing housing barriers for returning citizens, and organizing to eliminate harsh farm lines at Angola State Penitentiary. VOTE will also continue to advocate for nonunanimous jury retroactivity and improved medical care for formerly and currently incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Promise of Justice Intitiative

    To support PJI's statewide criminal legal reform efforts aimed at improving prison conditions and decarcerating the incarcerated population.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice