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.

  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2024

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    Support the development and implementation of Voices of Justice: A Michigan Youth Fellowship Program focused on reducing youth involvement in Michigan’s carceral system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Silver Spring, MD // 2024

    Racial Justice NOW!

    Support Racial Justice NOW! to advance youth justice reform initiatives in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

    Support statewide community organizing in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2024

    Catalyze Justice

    General support to Catalyze Justice.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    2024
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2024

    Youth Law Center

    Support to transform youth justice and child welfare system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Colorado Circles for Change

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    $150,000
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2024

    Maryland Center on Economic Policy

    To support the creation and dissemination of a criminal legal landscape report for Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2024

    Foundation For Louisiana

    Support for The Louisiana Justice Fund.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Durham, NC // 2024

    The Just Trust for Education

    Support for the Oklahoma Justice Funders Collaborative, a pooled fund to support coordinated justice reform efforts in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    University of Colorado Foundation for the benefit of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence

    Support for youth justice advocacy in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice