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 // 2025

    Stand for Children Leadership Center

    Support for advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building efforts for youth justice in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Unheard Voices Outreach

    Support for formerly incarcerated person led advocacy in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2025

    Memphis Artists for Change

    Support for an organizing fellowship.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2025

    MLK50: Justice Through Journalism

    Support for public safety reporting and community engagement in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Knoxville, TN // 2024

    Community Defense of East Tennessee

    Support to deepen outreach in the current jurisdictions and expand further into East Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

    Support to conduct a public campaign on Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

    Support statewide community organizing in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    JustCity, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    2024
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Free Hearts

    General support to Free Hearts.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Choosing Justice Initiatives

    Support for judicial transparency and accountability in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice