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.

  • Madison, WI // 2025

    Kids Forward

    Support for a Wisconsin Statewide Youth Justice Coalition.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Kalamazoo, MI // 2025

    Bent Not Broken

    Support for expanding participatory defense and community investment strategies.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2025

    Catalyze Justice

    Support to Catalyze Justice: Supporting Partners Nationwide in Youth Justice Transformation.
    Awarded
    $450,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2025

    National Center for Youth Law

    Support to help grow the capacity of Colorado-based organizations to sustain youth justice work.
    Awarded
    $181,300
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2025

    Youth Law Center

    Support to partner with community organizations for youth justice reform.
    Awarded
    $450,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Black Swan Academy, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Strong Arms of Mississippi

    Support for Strong Arms of Mississippi’s credible messenger diversion program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Southern Movement Committee

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Grand Rapids, MI // 2025

    Delta Project

    Support to Delta Project to change the negative narratives of justice-involved youth and their families.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
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