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 York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for Women on the Rise, a grassroots organization led by directly impacted women working on justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for The Freedom Institute to serve as a local anchor organization in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for Columbia University’s Justice Lab to transform the Colorado Department of Corrections Youthful Offender System.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    Support to provide increased member organizing capacity, advocacy training, promote restorative practices, and organize the community of returning citizens.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy expertise for advancing criminal justice reform in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Youth First Initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources toward community programs.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2020

    Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

    Support for COVID-19 relief efforts, resource navigation, and to expand COVID-19 communication and outreach efforts within the Black community.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Equity and Transformation

    Support for community organizing efforts to build social and economic equity for Black Chicagoans engaged in the informal economy, COVID-19 mutual aid, and coalition building to reduce Cook County's jail population.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities