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.

  • Boston, MA // 2023

    The GroundTruth Project, Inc.

    Support for Report for America’s efforts to fund reporters to cover criminal justice issues in communities across America.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2023

    Accelerate Change, Inc.

    Support for Accelerate Change’s criminal justice reform narrative campaign project.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2023

    New Profit, Inc.

    Support for New Profit’s third Unlocked Futures Catalyze cohort. New Profit’s Unlocked Futures initiative aims to increase visibility, remove barriers to capital, and build community with social entrepreneurs and communities who have been directly impacted by the American legal system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Roxbury, MA // 2023

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

    General
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Amherst, MA // 2021

    Peace Development Fund

    Support for I Am Why to bring young women and gender expansive activists together with researchers and other partners to increase individual and collective power.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Easthampton, MA // 2021

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct data analyses and produce research to guide and inform public discourse on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Boston, MA // 2021

    The Sixth Amendment Center Incorporated

    Support to improve indigent defense systems.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Boston, MA // 2020

    Community Labor United

    Support for state and local policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Massachusetts.
    Awarded
    $525,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2020

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Roxbury, MA // 2020

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice