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 // 2022

    Georgia Justice Project

    Support to expand expungement access across Georgia and to advocate for policy reforms that help reduce reentry barriers for those with previous criminal legal system involvement.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Savannah, GA // 2020

    Deep Center

    Support for Still Astronauts, an initiative that empowers directly impacted communities with advocacy skills to transform Georgia's local and state justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for Women on the Rise, a grassroots organization led by directly impacted women working on justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Athens, GA // 2020

    University of Georgia Foundation

    Support to the Carl Vinson Institute of Government for a data landscape report on Georgia's adult and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • 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 // 2014

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support to reduce rates of incarceration in Georgia and Alabama through high-impact litigation, research, advocacy and coalition building.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice