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.

  • Roxbury, MA // 2019

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Aspen Institute

    Support for the Forum for Community Solutions. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    ONE DC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General support.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Richmond, VA // 2019

    ART 180, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    8 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Council for Court Excellence

    Support for a Washington, D.C. focused criminal and youth justice landscape analysis.
    Awarded
    $34,000
    Term
    4 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Neighborhood Funders Group

    Support for Funders for a Just Economy.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Operation Restoration

    Support to reduce the number of incarcerated women and girls while supporting those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2019

    Detroit Justice Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2019

    Second Chance Center, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice