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 // 2018

    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
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2018

    Community Partners

    Support for Healing Dialogue and Action.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2018

    Citizens for Juvenile Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bronx, NY // 2018

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for the national convening on Credible Messenger Mentoring.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Fresno, CA // 2018

    Radio Bilingue, Inc.

    Support to increase Spanish news coverage of criminal justice reform issues impacting Latinos, including support for national Spanish public radio.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage of criminal justice and youth justice issues.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Advancement Project

    Support for Action Camp.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Program support for coordinating a new research network to focus on structural racism in the administration of youth justice, and the Community Justice Network for Youth.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2018

    Public Allies

    Support for Youth Justice Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice