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.

  • Evanston, IL // 2015

    Youth Justice Initiative of Illinois

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    In These Times

    Support for original news coverage and commentary on workers' rights issues in In These Times magazine and online in the blog Working In These Times.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Children and Family Justice Center

    Support to help the Illinois Youth Justice Commission promote more effective and fair juvenile justice policies.
    Awarded
    $180,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2014

    American Bar Foundation

    Project support for Increasing Access to Justice through Expanded Roles Beyond Lawyers: Developing and Testing an Evaluation Framework.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2014

    Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth

    Support for policy advocacy and litigation to protect youth against wrongful convictions in juvenile and criminal cases
    Awarded
    $185,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Working Hands Legal Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    Support to train worker centers on health and safety issues.
    Awarded
    $22,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    $160,000 in general support and $340,000 to support workplace health and safety advocacy.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    In These Times

    Support for original news coverage and commentary on workers' rights issues in In These Times magazine and online in the blog Working In These Times.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights