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 Orleans, LA // 2021

    Foundation for Louisiana

    Support for collaborative funding strategies to advance systems-level change in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado

    Support to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2021

    Tides Foundation

    Support to Zealous for a coordinated platform for public defender-led media and policy advocacy campaigns.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Rich Family Ministries

    Support for participatory defense hub in New Orleans.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Oklahoma Justice Fund, a pooled fund that works to reduce incarceration and boost economic mobility of system-impacted people across Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Terence Crutcher Foundation, which employs advocacy, organizing, outreach, and rapid response services to support criminal and youth justice reform in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Performing Statistics for youth-led advocacy to end youth incarceration through arts-based programming and exhibits.  
    Awarded
    $203,750
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2021

    Empower Mississippi Foundation

    Support for criminal justice reform advocacy in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to help state corrections departments and colleges nationwide plan for an increase in postsecondary education enrollment in prison.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform