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.

  • Miami Shores, FL // 2013

    Barry University

    Support for strategic planning for the Youth Defense Institute to develop a coordinated litigation strategy to challenge Florida's prosecution of youth as adults.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    3 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $320,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $800,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Hartford, CT // 2013

    Center for Children’s Advocacy

    Support to work locally and statewide to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in Connecticut's juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center for Public Integrity

    Support for the organization's Youth Justice Reporting Beat to conduct independent investigative reporting on juvenile justice issues.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Northhampton, MA // 2013

    Center for Public Representation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance regarding alternatives to incarceration for youth in Alabama's juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Children and Family Justice Center

    Support to help the Illinois Youth Justice Commission promote more effective and fair juvenile justice policies.
    Awarded
    $180,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Coalition for Youth Justice

    $190,000 in project support to provide resources, training and technical assistance to judges, policymakers and practitioners on the deinstitutionalization of status offenders and $50,000 in general support.
    Awarded
    $240,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bronx, NY // 2013

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support to provide training and technical assistance to support community-led efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Community Foundation for the National Capital Region

    Support for the Youth Justice Work Group of the Youth Transition Funders Group.
    Awarded
    $5,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice