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 // 2021

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support to provide formerly incarcerated young adults in DC with consistent and holistic reentry services, advocacy training, leadership development, and community peacebuilding.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Thrive DC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Praxis Project

    Support for the UndocuBlack Network to create inclusive immigrant and racial justice movements.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Education Trust

    Support for the implementation of Pell grants restoration for incarcerated students.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Council for Court Excellence

    Support to produce an annual update to the local D.C. landscape analysis: “D.C.’s Justice Systems: An Overview.”
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    Support to provide increased member organizing capacity, advocacy training, promote restorative practices, and organize the community of returning citizens.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Youth First Initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources toward community programs.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    School Justice Project

    Support for policy advocacy efforts to promote decarceration, increase community-based alternatives to incarceration, and improve conditions of confinement for DC’s incarcerated young adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    DC Justice Lab

    Support for research, coalition building, elevating the voices of those with lived experience, and policy advocacy to advance justice reform in the District.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform