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.

  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Bellevue, WA // 2019

    MomsRising Education Fund

    Support for reporting on juvenile justice issues.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2019

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support for a policy reform effort to end the practice of registering youth as sex offenders.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    14 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2019

    In These Times

    Support for original print and online news coverage and commentary on workers’ rights.
    Awarded
    $160,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    Support to provide technical assistance on fiscal and budget issues to youth decarceration campaigns, in coordination with Youth First Initiative.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support for the Emerging Leaders: On the Same Page project to provide formerly incarcerated young adults with wraparound reentry services, trauma-informed supports, leadership development, and opportunities to lead restorative, community focused efforts in DC.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    District of Columbia Grassroots Empowerment Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Arlington, VA // 2019

    WETA

    Support for WETA's PBS NewsHour to support a five part criminal justice-focused broadcast.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Salinas, CA // 2019

    Action Council of Monterey County

    Support for MILPA (Motivating Individual Leadership for Public Advancement).
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Columbus, Ohio // 2019

    Juvenile Justice Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice