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.

  • San Diego, CA // 2017

    National COSH

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Burlington, VT // 2017

    Rights & Democracy Education Fund

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support to provide technical assistance and serve as a campaign hub for state workers' rights coalitions. 
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Make the Road New York

    Support to launch a statewide multi-issue workers' rights advocacy table.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2017

    National Employment Law Project

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Urban Institute

    Support to catalyze the need for and promotion of community-centric investment initiatives within the justice policy community that result in targeted investments that assist justice system-involved individuals. 
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2017

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2017

    Texas Public Policy Foundation

    Support to advance state sentencing reform in coordination with state-based campaigns by generating support from conservative audiences through Right on Crime initiative. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2017

    NEO Philanthropy

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

    National Legal Aid & Defender Association

    Support for training and technical assistance to increase access to federal resources for civil legal services organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid