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 // 2024

    OpEd Project

    Support for The OpEd Project to enhance narrative change efforts around criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $180,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    To support creation of an empowering environment that develops meaningful prevention, diversion, and interventions for children and youth in Hinds County, Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Denver Youth Program dba Metro Denver Partners

    Support for GRASP (Gang Rescue and Support Project),  which provides mentoring and support services to at-risk, underserved, underrepresented youth.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    JFA Institute

    Support for a third update of the Colorado criminal justice data landscape analysis.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2024

    Native Wings Link an Eagle

    Support to Native Wings Like an Eagle to reduce recidivism and criminal legal involvement of tribal members in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2024

    LiveFree Oklahoma Incorporated

    Support for LiveFree OKC to decrease community-based violence and the harmful impacts of the carceral system in predominately Black Ward 7 of Oklahoma City.
    Awarded
    $170,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition

    Project support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2024

    Council for Court Excellence

    General operating support to CCE for strategic planning and fund its ongoing work to advance public safety initiatives in the District.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2024

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2024

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    Support the development and implementation of Voices of Justice: A Michigan Youth Fellowship Program focused on reducing youth involvement in Michigan’s carceral system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice