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.

  • Azusa, CA // 2025

    Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals, Inc.

    Support for wildfire relief.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Tulsa, OK // 2025

    The Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma

    Support for the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma to train local leaders and activists on restorative approaches to transforming the criminal legal system in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Black Swan Academy, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Operation Good

    Support for Operation Good’s community violence intervention program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2025

    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
  • Oakland, CA // 2025

    Essie Justice Group

    Support for wildfire relief.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Strong Arms of Mississippi

    Support for Strong Arms of Mississippi’s credible messenger diversion program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    The Community Ltd.

    Support to build a criminal legal reform coalition led by formerly incarcerated people focused on reducing incarceration in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Richmond, VA // 2025

    Hive Mentality

    Support to the Youth Innovator Squad.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Centennial, CO // 2025

    Denver Community Development Corporation

    Support for youth justice in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice