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.

  • Hamden, CT // 2024

    Freedom Reads

    General
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Hamden, CT //

    Freedom Reads

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Newton, CT // 2021

    Build Up Inc

    Support for Taveras3 Consulting to produce a landscape report on leadership development and training for formerly incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Haven, CT // 2018

    Artspace New Haven

    Support for May Day 20/20: Learning from the Black Panther Trials 50 Years Later.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Bridgeport, CT // 2018

    Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership

    Support for the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bridgeport, CT // 2016

    Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership

    Support to the Connecticut Youth Justice Alliance to advocate for a safe, effective and fair juvenile justice system in Connecticut.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Shelton, CT // 2015

    Recovery Network of Programs

    Support for a pilot project to divert from jail detention previously uninsured people with substance abuse and mental health needs by providing community-based treatment.
    Awarded
    $89,416
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Hartford, CT // 2013

    Center for Children’s Advocacy

    Support to work locally and statewide to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in Connecticut's juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bridgeport, CT // 2014

    Connecticut Youth Justice Alliance

    Support for the Connecticut Youth Justice Alliance, which promotes a safe, effective, and fair juvenile justice system in Connecticut.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice