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.

  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support for El Movimiento Sigue as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado

    Support to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to Latino Coalition for the Transforming Justice Initiative, and to develop the organization’s capacity to highlight the replicability of Colorado’s community reinvestment model.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2021

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support to serve as a local anchor organization in El Paso County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for The Freedom Institute to serve as a local anchor organization in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 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
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2020

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to assist community reinvestment partners strengthen organizational capacity and to commission a landscape analysis on Colorado’s justice systems.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2013

    Front Range Economic Strategy Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Denver, CO // 2014

    Front Range Economic Strategy Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights