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.

  • Aurora, CO // 2020

    Second Chance Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2019

    JFA Institute

    Support to expand criminal justice reform efforts to reduce prison and jail incarceration in target states and local jurisdictions.  
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2019

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and community-investment in public health and safety to reduce the impacts of the criminal justice system in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2019

    Second Chance Center, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2017

    JFA Institute

    Support to provide technical assistance and research to support state criminal justice reform campaigns, in partnership with the Alliance for Safety and Justice. 
    Awarded
    $70,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2017

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Wheat Ridge, CO // 2015

    Front Range Economic Strategy Center

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Denver, CO // 2015

    National Conference of State Legislatures

    Support for efforts to advance understanding of and support for pretrial reform strategies among key state lawmakers.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2015

    JFA Institute

    Support to provide technical assistance and research in efforts to reduce prison and jail incarceration in target states and in partnership with Americans for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2015

    Colorado Criminal Defense Institute

    Support for advocacy to reduce over-incarceration in Colorado through pretrial detention reform.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice