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.

  • Louisville, KY // 2018

    Kentucky Youth Advocates

    Support to advocate on improving Kentucky policies around the charging of youth, use of incarceration, and reducing racial disparities in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Minneapolis, MN // 2018

    BlueGreen Alliance Foundation

    Support for Safer Chemicals, Safer Jobs Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Calabasas, CA // 2018

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for National Alianza for Latino Youth Justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2018

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    Youth Radio

    Support to develop a National Youth Justice Desk.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    ColorOfChange.Org Education Fund

    Support to provide digital organizing training to, and engage Color of Change members in, state-based campaigns calling for youth prison closures and reinvestment in communities of color. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Tides Center

    Support for the Black Census Project, an initiative of the Black Futures Lab.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southerners On New Ground

    Support for a 12-week Community Organizing Apprenticeship for formerly incarcerated African American mothers and caretakers.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Worcester, MA // 2018

    EPOCA INC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $5,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Economic Policy Institute

    Support for research at the nexus of enforcement and forced arbitration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights