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 // 2020

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    Support to advance youth decarceration and reform Michigan’s youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Newark, NJ // 2020

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $602,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Jose, CA // 2020

    Silicon Valley De-Bug

    Support to build and support participatory defense hubs in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2020

    Loyola University New Orleans

    Support to Loyola University's College of Law for a data landscape analysis on Louisiana’s adult and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Columbia University

    Support to the Justice Lab for technical assistance to Milwaukee’s juvenile justice system leaders to end Milwaukee’s use of state custody for youth.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2020

    University of Wisconsin Foundation

    Support to the UW Justice Lab for a data landscape analysis on Milwaukee’s adult and youth justice systems and public safety efforts.
    Awarded
    $71,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Detroit, MI // 2020

    Wayne State University

    Support to the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice for a data landscape report on Michigan's adult and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 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
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2020

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to assist community reinvestment partners strengthen organizational capacity and to commission a landscape analysis on Colorado’s justice systems.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $202,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice