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.

  • Milwaukee, WI // 2021

    Marquette University

    Support for Neighborhood News Service to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    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
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide support for the advisory council of the People First Campaign.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 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
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2021

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado

    Support to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2021

    Tides Foundation

    Support to Zealous for a coordinated platform for public defender-led media and policy advocacy campaigns.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    The Lens

    Support for criminal and youth justice focused investigative journalism in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Resilience Partners NFP

    Support to the TRiiBE to produce original news content and programs to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities