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.

  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

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

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    Support for COVID-19 response efforts in Georgia centered on criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $158,700
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2020

    Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

    Support for Michigan Justice Fund's COVID- 19 relief efforts for the criminal justice population in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2020

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for COVID-19 relief efforts for WAGEES partners to support formerly incarcerated people in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support for the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to assist residents of the D.C. metropolitan area adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Orleans, LA // 2020

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    Support for advocacy and implementation of unanimous juries in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Council for Court Excellence

    Support for a 2020 D.C. criminal and youth justice landscape analysis.
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for worker's compensation reform and Work with Dignity Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Roxbury, MA // 2020

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2020

    Second Chance Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice