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.

  • Medford, MA // 2016

    Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

    Support to solidify a sentencing reform advocacy plan, rebrand itself to improve outreach efforts, and increase the number of law enforcement professionals who will join the organization in advancing sentencing reform.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2016

    Community Labor United

    Support for the Good Jobs-Strong Communities Subcontracting/Outsourcing campaign.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Easthampton, MA // 2015

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct research and data analysis in support of the national criminal justice reform movement.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth

    Support for the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Coalition.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2015

    Citizens for Youth Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chestnut Hill, MA // 2015

    Trustees of Boston College

    Support for research and a report with policy recommendations for reducing incarceration of girls in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $23,014
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2015

    Beyond OSHA

    Support for occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for advocates.
    Awarded
    $390,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Longmeadow, MA // 2015

    National Council for Occupational Safety and Health

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2013

    Crime and Justice Institute

    Support to expand the organization's ability to provide expert technical assistance and training for pretrial detention reform and to help two California counties with pretrial reform implementation.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    Community Labor United

    Support for the Good Jobs-Strong Communities Subcontracting/Outsourcing Campaign.
    Awarded
    $65,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights