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

    Public Citizen Foundation

    Support for comprehensive advocacy to improve standards for workers' health and safety.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2015

    United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    American University – Washington College of Law

    Support to the Pretrial Racial Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    9 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Equal Justice Under Law

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Justice Policy Institute

    General support to advance research for the broader criminal justice reform field. Project support for sentencing reform advocacy in Virginia.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support for JustLeadershipUSA.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Easthampton, MA // 2015

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct research and data analysis in support of the national criminal justice reform movement.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Shelton, CT // 2015

    Recovery Network of Programs

    Support for a pilot project to divert from jail detention previously uninsured people with substance abuse and mental health needs by providing community-based treatment.
    Awarded
    $89,416
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice