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 // 2015

    National Legal Aid and Defender Association

    Support for training and technical assistance to increase access to federal resources for civil legal services organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support to bring the Self-Represented Litigation Network to scale.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Baltimore, MD // 2015

    Public Justice Center

    Support to implement a targeted fundraising strategy to bolster and sustain the National Coalition for a Right to Civil Counsel.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Advancement Project

    Support for youth organizing for police reform in targeted locations around the country.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Silver Spring, MD // 2015

    Catholic Legal Immigration Network

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • St. Louis, MO // 2015

    Deaconess Foundation

    Support for youth organizing for police reform in Ferguson, Missouri.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Berkeley, CA // 2015

    Economic Inequality Media Project

    Support for the Economic Inequality Video Project.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Boston, MA // 2015

    Beyond OSHA

    Support for occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for advocates.
    Awarded
    $390,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Center for Community Change

    Support to the Poverty Initiative's campaigns for job quality.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Center for Economic and Policy Research

    Support for the Working Group on Domestic Contracting.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights