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.

  • Tucson, AZ // 2022

    Alliance for Global Justice

    Support to build the capacity of Denver Justice Project to address systemic racism in Denver, CO by transforming law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the Mississippi Justice Funders Collaborative, a pooled fund to support coordinated criminal legal reform in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2022

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support for Voces Unidas for Justice to continue serving as the local anchor organization in El Paso County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • San Francisco, CA // 2022

    Tides Foundation

    Support to Life After Release to provide services for justice-impacted women in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Buffalo, NY // 2022

    Open Buffalo Inc

    Emergency Support for Buffalo Relief.
    Awarded
    $318,167
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brentwood, NY // 2022

    New Hour for Women and Children – Long Island

    General Support
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Futuro Media

    Support for Futuro Media to expand its criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Hamden, CT //

    Freedom Reads

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2022

    Restore Justice Foundation

    Support to provide returning citizens with leadership opportunities.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Durham, NC // 2022

    Emancipate NC

    General Support
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities