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 York, NY // 2013

    National Employment Law Project

    Support to highlight worker perspectives for the Department of Labor's celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act and to address issues related to unemployment insurance.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2013

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for research, advocacy and strategic coordination of workers' compensation reform.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2013

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    General support.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Longmeadow, MA // 2013

    National Council for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Consumers League

    Support for the organization's Special Project on Wage Theft.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2013

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    Support for efforts to implement a new law regarding labor contractors.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2013

    Make the Road New York

    Support for the Workplace Justice Program.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2013

    Los Angeles Alliance For A New Economy

    Support for the Clean and Safe Ports Campaign.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2013

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support for continuing efforts to bring about policy reforms that would benefit low-income workers in Kentucky, including improving access to private counsel for wage theft claims and protecting workers from misclassification as independent contractors.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2013

    Interfaith Worker Justice

    Support to train worker centers on health and safety issues.
    Awarded
    $22,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights