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.

  • Portland, OR //

    National Crittenton Foundation

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    Brown Hope

    Support for Equitable Giving Circle to provide Portland's Black and Indigenous economy and community with basic needs, provisions, and health necessities in response to COVID-19.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    Support for state policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Oregon.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    National Crittenton Foundation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance to youth justice stakeholders on building a continuum of community-based supports and services for girls.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2019

    Latino Network

    Support for a convening of the EBP+ Collaborative.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    Support to advance criminal justice reforms and better address the needs of survivors of crime, people convicted of crime, and the families of both.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    National Crittenton Foundation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance to youth justice stakeholders on building a continuum of community-based supports and services for girls.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    General support and program support for state policy coalition.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2016

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2016

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice