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.

  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Center for Justice

    To support MCJ to strengthen its justice reform work in Jackson, specifically focused on structural and systemic change across youth and adult justice systems. MCJ’s Criminal Justice Initiative will include a combination of policy advocacy, community education, media outreach, and strategic litigation that informs their broader policy and litigation agenda.
    Awarded
    $234,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2024

    Louisiana Parole Project

    LPP’s aims to train and develop a network of formerly incarcerated leaders who are groomed to spearhead systems change in Louisiana when the time is ripe. LPP proposes to convene a select group of formerly incarcerated people to learn how to create and run a successful non-profit, effectively network with system stakeholders, learn the policy making processes, craft compelling narratives, and develop effective relationship and coalition building skills.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Milwaukee Community Justice Council

    Support to the Milwaukee Community Justice Council to establish a Youth Justice Council and strengthen community engagement with the broader Milwaukee community.
    Awarded
    $155,519
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Suitland-Silver Hill, MD // 2024

    Life After Release

    Support to expand and develop the Justice and Liberation Institute.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

    Support statewide community organizing in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2024

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for community organizing and advocacy to address extreme sentencing in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    The Community Ltd.

    Support for a statewide retreat led by formerly incarcerated leaders focused on criminal legal reform and coalition building in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    JustCity, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    2024
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Free Hearts

    General support to Free Hearts.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2024

    Maryland Center on Economic Policy

    To support the creation and dissemination of a criminal legal landscape report for Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice