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.

  • Newark, NJ // 2022

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for the campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $650,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2022

    Community Partners

    Support for the implementation of restorative justice programming
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Portland, OR //

    National Crittenton Foundation

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for RISE for Youth to dismantle the current prison model, create and expand community alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Common Counsel Foundation

    Support for Visionary Freedom Fund to support youth justice reform movements across the country.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Bronx, NY // 2021

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for effective community-driven alternatives to incarceration for youth.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2021

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation, policy reform, and public education to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Azusa, CA // 2021

    Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals Inc

    Support for the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program’s Worker Hub and Social Enterprise Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities