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

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Institute for Technology Law and Policy at Georgetown University for research and mapping of access to justice tools that are being used around the country to improve self-represented litigants' access to the courts. 
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Project on Government Oversight

    Support to monitor and investigate governmental policies related to conflicts of interest/ethics concerns. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2017

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to supplement and extend the time for its project to catalyze and help courts, Access to Justice Commissions, and legal aid/bar leaders work together in partnership in targeted states to implement the goal of 100% access as called for by the chief judicial officers of the state courts. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    21 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • New York, NY // 2017

    New World Foundation

    Support for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative to promote the increase of diverse-owned asset management firms for institutional investors, including foundations. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support for continuing the Access to Justice Commissions Expansion Project. 
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    15 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Rockville, MD // 2017

    Pretrial Justice Institute

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2017

    Tides Center

    Support for the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a multi-state advocacy campaign seeking to significantly reduce the US prison population in target states, reduce racial disparities in system-involved populations, and build momentum for reform nationally. 
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    National Juvenile Justice Network

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies. 
    Awarded
    $630,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2017

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for the Policy and Advocacy Center to advocate for community alternatives to youth incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice