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.

  • Williamsburg, VA // 2016

    National Center for State Courts

    Support for advancing the meaningful Access to Justice for All project.
    Awarded
    $1,250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Voices for Civil Justice: A Breakthrough Strategic Communications Initiative for Civil Legal Aid.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Albuquerque, NM // 2016

    New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty

    Support for the Legal Protections for New Mexico's Poorest Workers Project.
    Awarded
    $35,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2016

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for Making Work Pay: An Emerging California Collaboration.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2016

    Worksafe

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2016

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for the Right to Work with Dignity Initiatives.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2016

    Youth Law Center

    Support for the Healing Dialogue and Action project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Durham, NC // 2016

    Southern Coalition for Social Justice

    Support for the Youth Justice Project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2016

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to close two juvenile correctional centers and reinvest the savings into community based services.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2016

    Correctional Association of New York

    Support to advance juvenile justice reform in the state of New York.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice