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.

  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Partners for Justice

    Support to transform public defense and the criminal justice system in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to help state corrections departments and colleges nationwide plan for an increase in postsecondary education enrollment in prison.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2021

    LatinoJustice PRLDEF

    Support for Reenvision Justicia, LJP’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    The Marshall Project

    Support to report on the U.S. criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for Columbia University’s Justice Lab to transform the Colorado Department of Corrections Youthful Offender System.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Domestic Workers Alliance

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for Unchained Stories to create Transforming Justice, a series of short films centering leaders who are developing solutions in their own communities to address mass incarceration.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • 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
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2020

    Common Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities