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.

  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Justice Policy Institute

    $50,000 in general support and $50,000 in support for justice reform advocacy in Virginia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2014

    JustLeadershipUSA

    Support to increase the voice and leadership of formerly incarcerated individuals in calling for criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Partnership for Working Families

    Support for the In the Public Interest Project to coordinate a coalition dedicated to stemming the growth of prison privatization in states and localities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Pretrial Justice Institute

    Support to assist in executing a communications media campaign in support of the pretrial reform field and, specifically, the Pretrial Cabinet.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Pretrial Justice Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2014

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support to reduce rates of incarceration in Georgia and Alabama through high-impact litigation, research, advocacy and coalition building.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2014

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    The Constitution Project

    Support for the Right-Left Justice Working Group to leverage momentum and advocate for federal criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaulkee, WI // 2014

    WISDOM

    Support for statewide grassroots education and advocacy activities to advance criminal justice reform in Wisconsin, including sentencing reform and alternatives to incarceration.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice