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.

  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to People's Advocacy Institute to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Walnut, CA // 2022

    Open Collective Foundation

    Support to JULIAN, a civil and human rights legal organization, for investigations of hate crimes in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Common Justice

    Support to collaborate with People’s Advocacy Institute for technical assistance for restorative justice-based alternatives to incarceration in Jackson and build a continuum of care in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Jackson, MS // 2021

    Mississippi News and Information Corp

    Support for accurate, data-driven investigative reporting on Mississippi’s criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2021

    One Voice

    Support for a criminal and youth justice landscape analysis in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the People's Advocacy Institute.
    Awarded
    $235,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Columbia, MS // 2021

    New Life Fellowship Ministries

    Support to Clergy for Prison Reform for youth justice organizing in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2021

    Empower Mississippi Foundation

    Support for criminal justice reform advocacy in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform