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.

  • Landsowne, VA // 2015

    Prison Fellowship Ministries

    Support to mobilize grassroots prison ministry volunteers for advocacy in states targeted by the Americans for Safety and Justice sentencing reform campaign.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2015

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support for advocacy to promote alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Alexandria, VA // 2013

    International Association of Chiefs of Police

    Support to raise awareness and understanding about the need for pretrial detention reform among law enforcement leaders throughout the country, encouraging them to take a leadership role on the issue of pretrial policy.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2014

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to strengthen the role of the judiciary in advancing access to justice.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Alexandria, VA // 2014

    International Association of Chiefs of Police

    Support to raise awareness about the need for pretrial detention reform among law enforcement leaders throughout the country, encouraging them to take a leadership role on the issue.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Martinsville, VA // 2013

    New College Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2013

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to expand civil legal aid through the novel use of a new technology to improve pro bono case management.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2013

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to foster state court education and leadership on pretrial detention reform efforts.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice