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.

  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Alliance for Justice

    Support for the Bolder Advocacy Initiative.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2015

    National Employment Law Project

    Support for advocacy and technical support on worker health and safety, and strategic communications on contracted jobs.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Center for Public Integrity

    Support for a workers' rights reporting beat.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support to Youth First!, a national initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources to community programs.
    Awarded
    $895,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bronx, NY // 2015

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support to provide technical assistance on building community capacity to provide alternatives to youth incarceration and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $325,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC)

    Support to provide technical assistance and establish pilot programs to divert pretrial defendants from jail to Medicaid-funded community-based behavioral health treatment.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2015

    Tides Center

    Support for Californians for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    The Sentencing Project

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Gaithersburg, MD // 2015

    Pretrial Justice Institute

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $860,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2015

    Council of State Governments Justice Center

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice