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.

  • Pueblo, CO // 2022

    El Movimiento Sigue Inc

    Support for El Movimiento Sigue to continue serving as the local anchor organization in Pueblo County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Centennial, CO // 2022

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado Inc

    Support for Colorado Public Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Grand Junction, CO // 2022

    Freedom Institute Inc

    Support for The Freedom Institute to lead justice reform efforts in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Colorado Circles for Change

    Support for the continued movement building of community-centered youth justice advocacy in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for a youth policy data fellow embedded within Michigan’s State Court Administrator’s Office
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2022

    Community Partners

    Support for the implementation of restorative justice programming
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support to The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform to provide technical assistance to institutions in the District of Columbia implementing a Gun Violence Reduction Strategy.
    Awarded
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Portland, OR //

    National Crittenton Foundation

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform