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.

  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Nashville Public Radio

    Support for WPLN Criminal Justice Reporting.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    The Colorado Sun

    Support for criminal legal system reporting in  Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Raphah Institute

    Support to expand restorative justice as an alternative in the adult legal system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Open City Advocates

    Support for efforts aimed at reducing the impact of  long-term incarceration for D.C. youth.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    The Second Look Project

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the impact and likelihood of extreme sentences for D.C. residents.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

    Support for efforts aimed at reducing youth incarceration and its impact on D.C. youth.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Out For Justice, Inc.

    General support to build capacity for formally incarcerated people to learn and advocate on issues related to reducing mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    School Justice Project

    Support for special education legal services for court-involved students with disabilities.
    Awarded
    $450,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Gaithersburg, MD // 2025

    Prepare Inc.

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the use of  extreme sentences for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Suitland, MD // 2025

    Life After Release

    Support to expand and develop the Justice and Liberation Institute.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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