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

    Tides Foundation

    Support for Zealous at The Justice Collaborative.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2020

    Pacific Juvenile Defender Center

    Support for youth justice advocacy and reform.
    Awarded
    $165,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Voices for a Second Chance

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support for policy and technical assistance for D.C.'s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Jackson, MS // 2020

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the People's Advocacy Institute.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Minneapolis, MN // 2020

    BlueGreen Alliance Foundation

    Support for Making Work Safer, Healthier, and More Equitable.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2020

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support for state advocacy for workplace safety.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Austin, TX // 2020

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support to advance adult and youth justice reforms in Texas.
    Awarded
    $670,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2020

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for statewide policy advocacy and coalition building to advance justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice