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.

  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Terence Crutcher Foundation

    Support for Terence Crutcher Foundation, which employs advocacy, organizing, outreach, and rapid response services to support criminal and youth justice reform in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Columbia University

    Support for Emerging Adults Justice Project in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ridgeland, MS // 2023

    Mississippi Today

    Support for investigative reporting on Mississippi's criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    Black Swan Academy, Inc.

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Roxbury, MA // 2023

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

    General
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2023

    Juvenile Law Center

    General
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Grand Rapids, MI // 2023

    Delta Project

    Support to Delta Project to change the negative narratives of justice-involved youth and their families.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice