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.

  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2024

    Foundation for Liberating Minds

    Support to Foundation for Liberating Minds
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project

    Support for grassroots advocacy focused on gun violence prevention and intervention in Washington D.C.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2024

    First 72+

    Support to the First 72+ Just Reentry Policy Program
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2024

    Safe & Just Michigan

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    The Community Ltd.

    Support to The Community Ltd to build its narrative campaigns focused on highlighting the successes, humanity, and agency of people with criminal records.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Reaching and Educating for Community Hope (RECH) Foundation

    Program and capacity support for Reaching and Educating for Community Hope’s comprehensive community-based reentry and rehabilitation program in Jackson, MS.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2024

    Center for Employment Opportunities, Inc

    Support to advance a Peer Support Services and emerging Leaders Program for justice-involved adults and opportunity youth in New Orleans.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2024

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Program support for Vera Louisiana to launch a criminal justice data dashboard.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2024

    Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana

    Support for the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana’s Fees & Costs Reform Project and Louisiana Stop Solitary Coalition.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Milwaukee Turners, Inc

    Support for the Milwaukee Turners to confront mass incarceration through supporting formerly incarcerated young people and adults in their return home.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice