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.

  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Inc.

    Support to continue the Youth Justice Partnership Fund.
    Awarded
    $420,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    African American Roundtable

    Support to African American Roundtable.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2024

    Kids Forward

    Support Kids Forward to plan and build a Wisconsin Youth Justice Coalition focused on reducing the number of Black and Brown youth impacted by incarceration in the state.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2024

    Wisconsin Examiner

    Support for criminal legal system reporting in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Wisconsin Policy Forum Inc.

    To support the creation and dissemination of a criminal legal data landscape report for Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    FREE Movement Inc.

    Support FREE to continue its core programming work for systems-impacted women.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    Milwaukee Community Justice Council

    Support to the Milwaukee Community Justice Council to establish a Youth Justice Council and strengthen community engagement with the broader Milwaukee community.
    Awarded
    $155,519
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    The Community Ltd.

    Support for a statewide retreat led by formerly incarcerated leaders focused on criminal legal reform and coalition building in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    BLOC Education Fund

    Support for the Bloc Education Fund to build a Court Watch and Justice Transformation Task Force meant to reduce the reliance on the carceral system in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2024

    The Community Ltd.

    Support to The Community Ltd to build its narrative campaigns focused on highlighting the successes, humanity, and agency of people with criminal records.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice