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.

  • Dorchester, MA // 2018

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2018

    Community Labor United

    General and program support.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Cambridge, MA // 2017

    Harvard Law School

    Support for a post-graduate fellowship program focused on improving access to civil justice through technical innovation.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Medford, MA // 2017

    Law Enforcement Action Partnership

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Easthampton, MA // 2017

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct strategic data analysis and produce advocacy tools to advance the national criminal justice reform movement. 
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2017

    Public Health Advocacy Institute

    Support for Beyond OSHA which focuses on occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for advocates.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2016

    Community Labor United

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2016

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2016

    Citizens for Youth Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2016

    Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC)

    Support to advance criminal justice reform in Massachusetts.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice