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.

  • Immokalee, FL // 2014

    Student/Farmworker Alliance

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    ROC United

    General support.
    Awarded
    $330,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2014

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the organization's Workplace Justice project.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support to the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for legal expertise, technical assistance and advocacy on workplace health and safety.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Public Concern Foundation

    Support for a documentary on farmworkers and the work of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2014

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support to organize and support progressive state legislators across the country through the organization's Workers' Rights Project.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Cleveland, OH // 2014

    Policy Matters Ohio

    Support for research and public education on labor rights issues.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Partnership for Working Families

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    $200,000 in general support and $200,000 for support for a state policy coalition focused on workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lincoln, NE // 2014

    Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest

    Support to improve health and safety policies for meatpacking workers.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights