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.

  • New York, NY // 2020

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to increase postsecondary education opportunities for incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Research Foundation of the City University of New York

    Support to the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College to organize a journalism fellowship focused on the future of youth justice reform.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety & Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for worker's compensation reform and Work with Dignity Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Race Forward

    Support for Race Forward’s Mass Freedom: Confronting Mass Criminalization project.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2019

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for fundraising technical assistance to Workers’ Rights grantees.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2019

    New World Foundation

    Support for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Bronx, NY // 2019

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for effective community-driven alternatives to incarceration for youth.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Human Rights Watch

    Support for advocacy and implementation work around California’s reforms in youth transfer and sentencing laws.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Columbia University

    Support to the Justice Lab for the Youth Correctional leaders for Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice