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.

  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 18.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $620,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    To reduce incarceration and racial disparities in Georgia's criminal justice system through research, advocacy, and coalition building.
    Awarded
    $525,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2018

    Echoing Green

    Direct costs of two Fellows in the 2018 class who are focused on improving outcomes in criminal justice and/or racial equity related issue areas.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Appleseed

    To advance policies in Texas to keep youth in school and out of the justice system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    New Venture Fund

    Communities for Just Schools Fund. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Center for Public Policy Priorities

    Fiscal analysis of criminal justice reform policies and community-centered reinvestment strategies in Texas, in partnership with state-based advocates. 
    Awarded
    $70,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Grassroots Leadership

    A criminal justice report on racial disparities and over-incarceration in Harris County, which includes Houston, Texas. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Goldsboro, NC // 2018

    Repairers of the Breach

    Forward Justice to advance community-based justice reinvestment strategies, in partnership with system-impacted leaders in North Carolina. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Justice Policy Institute

    For research, public education, and re-framing the debate around tough-on-crime justice reform efforts in Maryland, fueled by the resurrection of law and order rhetoric at the national level. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice