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.

  • Detroit, MI // 2025

    Wayne State University

    Support for a third Michigan Data Landscape on adult and youth justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    Support to strengthen diversion and continuum of care services in Hinds County and to host its first-ever youth-led Summit in August 2025.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Clergy for Prison Reform

    Support to expand efforts to expand staff capacity and broaden its impact.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    Milwaukee Freedom Fund Incorporated

    General support.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Madison, WI // 2025

    Wisconsin Examiner d/b/a States Newsroom

    Support for Wisconsin Criminal Justice Reporting Project Phase II.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • 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
  • New York, NY // 2025

    Future Media

    Support for criminal justice coverage.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2025

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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