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.

  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Choosing Justice Initiatives

    Support for judicial transparency and accountability in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 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
    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
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Spero Justice Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2023

    JustCity, Inc.

    Support for advocacy for pretrial justice, clean records, and to end fines and fees in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2023

    Tides Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Honolulu, HI // 2023

    Housing Solutions Incorporated

    Support for Housing Solutions to pilot a transitional housing and supportive services model for women leaving incarceration in Hawaii.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Justice Innovation Inc.

    Support for a Georgia Pretrial Justice Convening.
    Awarded
    $140,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen CCJRC's operating and programmatic infrastructure.  
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2022

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for statewide policy advocacy and to strengthen the coalition of organizations advancing justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform