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 Orleans, LA // 2025

    First 72+

    Support to the First 72+ Just Reentry Policy Program.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2025

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Program support for Vera Louisiana's criminal justice reform initiatives.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2025

    Capital B News, Inc.

    Support for Capital B News Inc to continue coverage of Atlanta’s criminal justice challenges and to host a series of community listening  sessions on criminal justice issues.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Unheard Voices Outreach

    General support for UVO to empower justice-impacted individuals by providing support, advocacy, education, and community organizing to drive systemic change and promote equity.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2025

    Foundation for Liberating Minds

    Support to Foundation for Liberating Minds to continue and expand its core anti-carceral work.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Think Tennessee

    Support to Think Tennessee to deepen its research on the impact of pretrial bail, court fines and fees, expanding local crime data research, and geographic disparities in court dispositions.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    The Community Ltd.

    General support to to foster the full potential of people with criminal records through its narrative change work in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $450,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2025

    Safe & Just Michigan

    General support for efforts to reduce mass incarceration.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    Wisconsin Policy Forum, Inc.

    Support for Wisconsin Policy Forum, Inc. to update  its data landscape review of the criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $115,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Advance Maryland Education Fund

    Support to Advance Maryland Education Funds to expand the reach and content of the Youth Rights and Safety Hub.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
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