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.

  • 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
  • Savannah, GA // 2020

    Deep Center

    Support for Still Astronauts, an initiative to transform Chatham County’s and Georgia’s juvenile and adult criminal justice systems.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2020

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts in Georgia centered on criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $158,700
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2019

    SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2019

    The Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights

    Support to implement a grassroots education campaign to amplify support at the intersection of criminal justice and immigrant rights.
    Awarded
    $38,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Calabasas, CA // 2019

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to the Racial Justice Action Center to build cross-community power for criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2019

    Alternate Roots Inc.

    Support for SpiritHouse, an organization that uses culture, art and media to support the empowerment and transformation of communities most impacted by poverty, racism, gender inequity, criminalization and mass incarceration in North Carolina.
    Awarded
    $45,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southerners On New Ground

    Support for a 12-week Community Organizing Apprenticeship for formerly incarcerated African American mothers and caretakers.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    General support.
    Awarded
    $140,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    To reduce incarceration and racial disparities in Georgia's criminal justice system through research, advocacy, and coalition building.
    Awarded
    $525,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice