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 // 2025

    Crime and Justice Institute

    Support for a data landscape report on Mississippi's adult and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Reaching and Educating For Community Hope (RECH) Foundation

    Program and capacity support for Reaching and Educating for Community Hope’s comprehensive community-based programming and education activities to end juvenile life without parole sentences in MS.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    People’s Advocacy Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    To support creation of an empowering environment that develops meaningful prevention, diversion, and interventions for children and youth in Hinds County, Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition

    Project support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Center for Justice

    To support MCJ to strengthen its justice reform work in Jackson, specifically focused on structural and systemic change across youth and adult justice systems. MCJ’s Criminal Justice Initiative will include a combination of policy advocacy, community education, media outreach, and strategic litigation that informs their broader policy and litigation agenda.
    Awarded
    $234,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Operation Good

    Support for Operation Good’s community violence intervention program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ridgeland, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Today

    Support for investigative reporting on Mississippi's criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,00
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2024

    Neighborhood Defender Service

    Support for Neighborhood Defender Service to launch a holistic Public Defense System in Jackson, and Pilot its PACE Program in the Antelope Valley in California.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2024

    Common Justice

    Support to collaborate with People's Advocacy Institute to expand the use of restorative justice-based alternatives to incarceration in Jackson, MS
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice