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.

  • Denver, CO // 2019

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and community-investment in public health and safety to reduce the impacts of the criminal justice system in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy expertise for advancing criminal justice reform to reduce incarceration in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $770,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Voices for Civil Justice to generate media coverage of civil legal aid, and increase the visibility and communications capacity of the sector.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Austin, TX // 2019

    Texas Public Policy Foundation

    Support to advance state and federal criminal justice reform by generating support from conservative audiences.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    R Street Institute

    Support to build conservative support for ending policies to try youth as adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Evanston, IL // 2019

    Juvenile Justice Initiative

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    Northwestern University School of Law

    Support for juvenile justice advocacy and research to reduce youth incarceration, advance age-appropriate treatment, and reduce racial bias in Illinois.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Bronx, NY // 2019

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for the Carolina Youth Action Project's campaign to remove school resource officers from school campuses.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Tides Center

    Support to Californians for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice