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 // 2026

    Council for Court Excellence

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2026

    Partnership for Civil Justice Fund

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    DC National Association for the Advancement of Returning Citizens

    General support.
    Awarded
    $73,333
    Term
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2025

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Support for crime and safety reporting.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Athens, GA // 2025

    University of Georgia Foundation

    Support for the productions of a Georgia Insights Report investigating the unique justice issues impacting Georgia.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Pueblo, CO // 2025

    El Movimiento Sigue, Inc

    Support to continue with the statewide Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Grand Junction, CO // 2025

    Freedom Institute, Inc.

    Support for the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2025

    Native Wings Like an Eagle

    General support.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Choosing Justice Initiative

    Support to continue work on judicial transparency and accountability in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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