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 // 2019

    Center for Progressive Reform

    Support for occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for state and local advocacy.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Longmeadow, MA // 2019

    National Council on Occupational Safety & Health

    Support to advance policies that protect workers‰Ûª rights by uniting workers to achieve safe, healthy, and just conditions through leadership development, technical assistance and network expansion.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2019

    Public Health Advocacy Institute

    Support for technical assistance, public education, and research.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    Support to advocate for migrant worker protections through legal representation, transnational litigation support, worker training, and organizing.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2019

    Justice in Motion

    Support to advocate for policy reforms protecting migrant rights across borders including training lawyers in the U.S. and Latin America on issues in transnational cases for migrant workers.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Make the Road New York

    Support for New York State Low-Wage Worker Organizing Table to advance workers' rights through organizing, legal services, worker training, and local and state advocacy.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Burlington, VT // 2019

    Rights and Democracy Education Fund

    Support for state advocacy and organizing group in Vermont to protect workers.
    Awarded
    $450,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2019

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for coordination of state coalitions and forced arbitration campaigns.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    National Employment Law Project

    Support for the National Legal Advocacy Network.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Minneapolis, MN // 2018

    BlueGreen Alliance Foundation

    Support for Safer Chemicals, Safer Jobs Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights