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.

  • Baltimore, MD // 2014

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the organization's Workplace Justice project.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support to the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for legal expertise, technical assistance and advocacy on workplace health and safety.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2014

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support to organize and support progressive state legislators across the country through the organization's Workers' Rights Project.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Partnership for Working Families

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    National Employment Law Project

    Support for meetings on contingent work.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    National Employment Law Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2013

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    General support.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Brennan Center for Justice

    Support to use research, communications and advocacy to reduce incarceration in America through a focus on fiscal incentives and funding streams.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

    General support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lexington, KY // 2013

    United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities

    General support.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights