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 // 2022

    Restore Justice Foundation

    Support to provide returning citizens with leadership opportunities.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Resilience Partners NFP

    Support to the TRiiBE to produce original news content and programs to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Equity and Transformation

    Support for community organizing efforts to build social and economic equity for Black Chicagoans engaged in the informal economy, COVID-19 mutual aid, and coalition building to reduce Cook County's jail population.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Urban Juncture Foundation

    Support for GoodKids, Mad City responding to racial injustice, police brutality, COVID-19 relief efforts, and to continue implementing violence prevention efforts in impacted neighborhoods in Chicago.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Role Model Movement, Inc.

    Support for My Block, My Hood, My City to repair communities and small businesses in Chicago damaged during protests in response to racial injustice and police brutality.  
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    Support for state and local policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Illinois.
    Awarded
    $1,050,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    Support to advance reforms against wage theft, strengthen network of worker centers and advocates, and engage faith communities in the fight for workplace health and safety.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    In These Times

    Support for original print and online news coverage and commentary on workers’ rights.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights