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.

  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Immigrant Legal Resource Center

    Support to address the criminalization of immigrant youth of color.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Immigrant Legal Resource Center

    Support to address the criminalization of immigrant youth of color.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    The Praxis Project

    Support for the UndocuBlack Network.
    Awarded
    $32,617
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    National Employment Law Project

    Support for the National Legal Advocacy Network.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • // 2018

    President and Fellows of Harvard College

    Support for initiatives to reimagine labor and employment laws, improve labor standards enforcement, and document best practices for agency policymaking.
    Awarded
    $370,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2018

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for assistance to grantees on fundraising strategies.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Diego, CA // 2018

    National COSH

    Support for a convening of organizers and advocates on sexual harassment and violence.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Madison, WI // 2018

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for multi-state technical assistance on low-wage worker issues. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2018

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support to state advocacy for workplace policy.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

    Support for a campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to eighteen in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice