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.

  • Dorchester, MA // 2014

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    Beyond OSHA

    Support for the Beyond OSHA Project's campaign to secure improved worker protection to prevent silicosis.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2014

    FSG Social Impact Advisors

    Support to provide coaching to a collaborative justice initiative in Minnesota.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Longmeadow, MA // 2013

    National Council for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2013

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    Support for efforts to implement a new law regarding labor contractors.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2013

    Beyond OSHA

    Support to the Beyond OSHA project for its work providing technical assistance and public education on occupational safety and health policy.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Northhampton, MA // 2013

    Center for Public Representation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance regarding alternatives to incarceration for youth in Alabama's juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Easthampton, MA // 2013

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to advocate for change in the U.S. Census Bureau's practice of counting prisoners where they are incarcerated rather than in their home communities.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2013

    Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth

    Support to advance criminal justice policy reform in Massachusetts.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice