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.

  • Charlottesville, VA // 2016

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to close two juvenile correctional centers and reinvest the savings into community based services.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2016

    Correctional Association of New York

    Support to advance juvenile justice reform in the state of New York.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2016

    Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Montgomery, AL // 2016

    Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2016

    Institute of Church Administration and Management

    Support for the Conference of National Black Churches for its national convening focused on race and reconciliation.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Oakland, CA // 2016

    Neighborhood Funders Group

    Support for a strategic planning process and a paper to shine a spotlight on the emerging cohort of organizations specializing in workplace law.
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    National Public Radio

    Support for on-air coverage of issues related to low-wage workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Economic Policy Institute

    Support research estimating the impact of wage theft, misclassification, and forced arbitration.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights