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.

  • San Francisco, CA // 2020

    American University

    Support to the DCist to pursue community led reporting on criminal justice-related stories in D.C. wards east of the river grappling with incarceration and violence.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    DC Justice Lab

    Support for research, coalition building, elevating the voices of those with lived experience, and policy advocacy to advance justice reform in the District.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    Hispanics In Philanthropy

    Support to Justice for Migrant Women for a national essential worker’s strategy and farmworker women organizing, in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Voices for a Second Chance

    Support for coalition-building expansion efforts to advance structural change in the District of Columbia’s criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2020

    Milwaukee County Health and Human Services Department

    Support for a Zero Youth Corrections Project Manager at the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) to dramatically reduce the number of incarcerated Milwaukee County youth.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support for DC Fund for Just and Peaceful Neighborhoods.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Charlotte, NC // 2020

    Center for Death Penalty Litigation

    Support to Wren Collective for a landscape analysis on indigent defense.
    Awarded
    $26,250
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    National Juvenile Justice Network

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Youth First State Advocacy Fund for state-based advocacy campaigns focused on redirecting resources from youth prisons to community-based approaches, rooted in racial equity.
    Awarded
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Domestic Workers Alliance

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities