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.

  • New York, NY // 2019

    Trace Media Inc

    Support to produce a series of stories investigating the intersection of gun violence prevention, justice reform, and economic equality.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2019

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for Safely Home DC.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    LatinoJustice PRLDEF

    Support for Reenvision Justicia.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2019

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for the National Network of Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    The Marshall Project

    Support for News Inside and partnership with Sundance Documentary Film Fund
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Georgetown University

    Support for the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Initiative to advance juvenile justice reform in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Medford, MA // 2019

    Law Enforcement Action Partnership

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

    Step Afrika U S A Incorporated

    Support for marketing and communications efforts for Step Afrika!'s 25th anniversary.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • San Jose, CA // 2019

    Silicon Valley De-Bug

    Support to establish two participatory defense hubs in Michigan
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice