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.

  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Neighborhood Funders Group

    Support for Funders for a Just Economy.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Children’s Defense Fund

    Support for the campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in New York. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    R Street Institute

    Support to build conservative support for transfer reform and raise the age campaigns in target states. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Evanston, IL // 2017

    Youth Justice Initiative

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Impact Justice

    Support for Impact Justice's Center on Youth Registration Reform which advocates for an end to youth sex offender registries. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

    General support including activities around the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless's 30th anniversary year. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    The Constitution Project

    General support to build capacity for advancing social justice policies. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • 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

    Do Something, Inc.

    Support for Temporary Employee LLC's targeted distribution of a documentary film promoting temporary workers' rights at advocacy events. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights