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 // 2018

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    Support to hire formerly incarcerated youth to coordinate the Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network (ICAN).
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support for research and communications strategies to enhance reform efforts on youth charged with violent offenses. 
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2018

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for training of lawyers in occupational safety and health law. 
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Center for American Progress

    Support for research into wage theft from high-fee pay delivery systems. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support for the Lone Start Justice Alliance. 
    Awarded
    $85,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2018

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for State Advocacy Campaigns addressing forced arbitration. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $511,335
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2018

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $485,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2018

    Voice of the Experienced

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $385,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Urban Institute

    Support to provide research and data support to Youth First and state campaigns advocating for youth prison closures and investment in effective community programs. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice