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.

  • Madison, WI // 2020

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for multi-state technical assistance on low-wage worker issues.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2020

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Support to the Blueprint for Peace Fund in its public health approach to violence prevention that prioritizes areas hardest hit by persistent violence and incarceration in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2020

    Wisconsin Voices Inc

    Support to the African-American Roundtable and expansion of the LiberateMKE campaign to mobilize residents around alternatives to incarceration and community reinvestment in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2020

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2019

    WISDOM

    Support for Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) to advance the Justice Reinvestment in Wisconsin campaign.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2018

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for multi-state technical assistance on low-wage worker issues. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2018

    Public Allies

    Support for Youth Justice Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2016

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for policymaker education and engagement on wage theft.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2015

    WISDOM

    Support for statewide grassroots education and advocacy activities to advance criminal justice reform in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2013

    Justice Initiatives Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice