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.

  • Washington, DC // 2013

    TimeBanks USA

    Support for efforts to foster client engagement in civil legal aid organizations.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support for activities of the Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project.
    Awarded
    $83,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Columbia, SC // 2014

    National Association of IOLTA Programs

    Support to promote civil legal aid to private philanthropy through IOLTA program leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2014

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to strengthen the role of the judiciary in advancing access to justice.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    New Venture Fund

    Support for activities to strengthen the Self-Represented Litigation Network in its effort to develop and promote self-help resources for increasing access to justice for low-income people within the courts.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

    Support to promote and raise the profile of civil legal aid through a variety of forums and activities within its nationwide network.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2014

    American Bar Foundation

    Project support for Increasing Access to Justice through Expanded Roles Beyond Lawyers: Developing and Testing an Evaluation Framework.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The George Washington University

    Support for the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership's project, Where Health Meets Justice Fellowship.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    27 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

    Support for the Human Right to Housing Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    University Legal Services

    Support for an advocacy effort to ensure transparency and public input in the process to determine provisions of healthcare treatment for inmates of DC Jail.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid