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.

  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Out for Justice

    Support to build capacity for formally incarcerated people to learn and advocate on issues related to reducing mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justce
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Family Support Network

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the impact and likelihood of extreme sentences for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Annapolis, MD // 2025

    Advance Maryland Education Fund

    Support to create a Youth Rights and Safety Communications Hub focused on changing harmful media narratives of young people and crime in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $108,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    University of Baltimore Foundation

    Support to build capacity at the Center for Criminal Justice Reform to advocate on issues related to mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Silver Spring, MD // 2024

    Racial Justice NOW!

    Support Racial Justice NOW! to advance youth justice reform initiatives in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2024

    Baltimore Banner

    Support for criminal legal system reporting in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Suitland-Silver Hill, MD // 2024

    Life After Release

    Support to expand and develop the Justice and Liberation Institute.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2024

    Maryland Center on Economic Policy

    To support the creation and dissemination of a criminal legal landscape report for Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Bethesda, MD // 2024

    Community Science, Inc.

    Support for Community Science to provide individualized capacity building and technical assistance to a cohort of ten Foundation partners and broader support for all partners.
    Awarded
    $113,716
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Baltimore, MD // 2022

    Restorative Response Baltimore

    Support for an intensive summer reading and writing program dedicated to shifting harmful narratives about Black women and girls through both the meaningful study and creation of art.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    3 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities