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.

  • Detroit, MI // 2020

    Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

    Support for Michigan Justice Fund's COVID- 19 relief efforts for the criminal justice population in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2020

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support to advance policies to reduce Michigan’s over-use of incarceration and promote community safety and healing.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2019

    Detroit Justice Center

    Support to build capacity of criminal justice organizers in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $68,700
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2019

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for the National Network of Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Jose, CA // 2019

    Silicon Valley De-Bug

    Support to establish two participatory defense hubs in Michigan
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2019

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support for Nation Outside, a grassroots membership organization led by formerly incarcerated people advocating for political and social changes on criminal justice issues.
    Awarded
    $42,600
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2019

    Detroit Justice Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support for a campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to eighteen in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for the National Network of Justice.
    Awarded
    $141,600
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $511,335
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice