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.

  • Oakland, CA // 2016

    Partnership for Working Families

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2016

    The Tides Foundation

    Support for the SumOfUs Education Fund, for its initiative on work in the on-demand economy.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Berkeley, CA // 2016

    Hesperian Foundation

    Support to develop, publish and distribute a workers' guide to health and safety for low-literacy, limited English proficient, Spanish-speaking workers.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2016

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    $200,000 for general support and $200,000 for program support for a state policy coalition focused on workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Medford, MA // 2016

    Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

    Support to solidify a sentencing reform advocacy plan, rebrand itself to improve outreach efforts, and increase the number of law enforcement professionals who will join the organization in advancing sentencing reform.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $550,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2016

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Columbia, MD // 2016

    Enterprise Community Loan Fund

    Support to advance affordable housing in DC as part of the Washington Regional Area Grantmakers' campaign on social impact investing.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Namati

    Support to explore opportunities in the U.S. in order to broaden its global network of community paralegals working to advance justice and legal empowerment.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2016

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights