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 // 2022

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support to advance policy reform with regard to D.C.’s approach to justice-involved young adults
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Drug Policy Alliance

    Support for the DecrimPovertyDC campaign
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2022

    UWM Foundation, Inc.

    Support for the creation and dissemination of an adult and youth criminal legal data landscape for Milwaukee County.
    Awarded
    $73,863
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Faith in Action

    Support to Force Detroit for transformative alternatives to violence and incarceration in Detroit.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for Grantmakers for Southern Progress (GSP) to coordinate a funders table focused on increasing resources for adult criminal and youth justice reform organizations in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Thrive DC

    Support for the A Chance to Thrive Initiative (ACT)
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Columbia, MS // 2022

    New Life Fellowship Ministries Inc

    Support for Clergy for Prison Reform to organize faith communities for youth justice reform in Mississippi
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform