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.

  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2015

    The Employee Rights Advocacy Institute for Law and Policy

    Support to implement a strategic public education campaign to end forced arbitration of employment claims.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Gamaliel Foundation

    Support for advocacy to improve access to federally-funded construction jobs for women and people of color.
    Awarded
    $20,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Wheat Ridge, CO // 2015

    Front Range Economic Strategy Center

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Whitesburg, KY // 2015

    Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Indianapolis, IN // 2015

    National Association of IOLTA Programs

    Support to promote civil legal aid to private philanthropy through IOLTA program leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2015

    National Center for State Courts

    Support to foster state court education and leadership on pretrial detention reform rights.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2015

    Worksafe

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2015

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for research and advocacy on workplace policy issues.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2015

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support for advocacy, litigation, and coalition building to advance policy remedies for wage theft.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights