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 // 2017

    Alliance for Justice

    Support to conduct an assessment of and develop a strategic plan for the Bolder Advocacy Initiative.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2017

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for Blackbird. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • St. Louis, MO // 2017

    ArchCity Defenders

    Support to Civil Rights Corps, for initial organizational development support for its innovative work on creating effective legal challenges to systematic injustices within the criminal justice system. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2016

    National Employment Law Project

    Support to undertake a program of research, analysis, education and outreach to help nonprofit organizations better understand the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) new overtime pay requirements.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2016

    Robin Hood Foundation

    Support for a new campaign to increase access to public benefits for people in need and to alleviate poverty in New York City that could serve as a model for other cities nationwide.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Columbia, MD // 2016

    Enterprise Community Loan Fund

    Support to advance affordable housing in DC as part of the Washington Regional Area Grantmakers' campaign on social impact investing.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Montgomery, AL // 2016

    Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama

    Support for the Lynching Memorial project.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    ONE DC

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Public Citizen Foundation

    Support to increase collective capacity with the Americans for Financial Reform on halting forced arbitration provisions in consumer contracts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund