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.

  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Georgia Justice Project

    Support for Georgia Justice Project to expand expungement access across Georgia and to advocate for policy reforms that help reduce reentry barriers for those with previous criminal legal system involvement.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Georgia Justice Project

    Support for Georgia Justice Project to expand expungement access across Georgia and to advocate for policy reforms that help reduce reentry barriers for those with previous criminal legal system involvement.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    United Way of Greater Atlanta

    Support for the Georgia Justice Funders Table, a pooled fund to support coordinated criminal legal reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ellenwood, GA // 2024

    Barred Business Foundation

    General support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Community Justice Exchange

    Support for a legal defense fund launched by Community Justice Exchange to defend the constitutional rights of the organizers advocating to stop the construction of the Atlanta Police Training Center.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2024

    Atlanta/Fulton County Prearrest Diversion Initiative Inc.

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA //

    Emory University

    Support for the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory University to plan and host a Youth Justice Convening to bring together stakeholders to advance a dialogue around youth justice in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2023

    Voices for Georgia’s Children

    Support for Voices for Georgia’s Children to produce a landscape analysis report of Georgia’s youth justice systems and accompanying policy and practice recommendations.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Ellenwood, GA // 2023

    Barred Business Foundation

    Support for Barred Business to further advance its Protected Campaign in Georgia, a community organizing initiative led by formerly incarcerated women to expand protected class protections to incarcerated people.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Savannah, GA //

    Deep Center

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice