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.

  • Oakland, CA // 2023

    National Center for Youth Law

    Support for the Lived Experience Advocacy Fellowship (LEAF) and the the Youth Justice Colorado Collaborative Coalition (YJCCC).
    Awarded
    $362,600
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2023

    Forward Impact (Represent Justice)

    Support for a storytelling and narrative power-building program for system-impacted advocates and community partners in the justice ecosystem.
    Awarded
    250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2023

    Tides Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2023

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    General Support and Support for policy and technical assistance on violence intervention strategies.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2023

    PHILANTHROPIC VENTURES FOUNDATION

    Support to Reckon With in mobilizing white people to be educated advocates against racial harm.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • San Francisco, CA // 2023

    Tides Foundation

    Support for Community Justice Reform Coalition's efforts to reduce violence and harm through community-based, nonpunitive measures.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2023

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for Women on the Rise flagship campaign, Communities Over Cages: Close the Jail ATL.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Alisa Viejo, CA // 2022

    Haitian Bridge Alliance

    General Support
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Landers, CA // 2022

    Appeal Inc

    General Support
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to continue conducting an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform