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.

  • Denver, CO // 2023

    REDLINE

    Support to Bread and Roses Legal Center for the Queers for Q Mutual Aid.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2023

    Forward Impact (Represent Justice)

    Support for a storytelling and narrative power-building program for system-impacted advocates and community partners in the justice ecosystem.
    Awarded
    250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    The Marshall Project

    Support for a Marshall Project newsroom in Jackson to expand local reporting on criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Associated Press

    Support deepening criminal and youth justice investigative reporting and improving journalism on criminal justice through language and skills training with other news outlets.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    The Education Trust

    Support for the Justice Fellowship Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Easthampton, NW // 2023

    Prison Policy Initiative

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    The Sentencing Project

    General Support
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2023

    Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Inc.

    Support for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges to support systems involved persons in their leadership growth to positively impact the Metcalfe Park community in Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Denver Youth Program dba Metro Denver Partners

    Support for Denver Youth Program to decrease community violence through their hospital-based violence intervention and wraparound program.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Justice For Greenwood Foundation

    Support to build a policing reform project to repair the harm caused by the Tulsa Race Massacre and the resulting over-policing of Black Tulsa.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform