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.

  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Operation Good

    Support for Operation Good’s community violence intervention program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Maryland // 2026

    Maryland Office of the Public Defender

    Support to the Maryland Office of the Public Defender to support efforts aimed at reducing the use of incarceration for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2026

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    General support to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults in Washington, D.C.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2026

    University of Baltimore Foundation

    Support for continued research on pretrial detention and “alternative safety metrics.”
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2026

    East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Coalition

    Support for East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Coalition.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ellenwood, Atlanta // 2026

    Barred Business Foundation

    General Support to advance equity and justice for Georgia's impacted community.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2026

    Operation Restoration

    Support for women, girls, and families impacted by incarceration in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2026

    Atlanta/Fulton County Pre-Arrest Diversion Initiative, Inc.

    General support to Atlanta Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) for incarceration alternatives and pre-arrest diversion.
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2026

    Second Chance Center, Inc.

    General support for formerly incarcerated persons in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Reaching and Educating for Community Hope (RECH) Foundation

    General support for Reaching and Educating for Community Hope Foundation.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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