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.

  • Montgomery, AL // 2022

    Equal Justice Initiative

    General Support
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Selma, AL // 2021

    The Knights & Orchids Society Inc

    Support to My Sistah's House to expand Tiny Homes Project, and provide a continuum of services to support the health and wellbeing of black transgender individuals in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Birmingham, AL // 2021

    Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering

    Support to provide direct services and capacity-building support for trans people of color in Alabama navigating the intersectional oppression of mass incarceration, racism, and transphobia.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Dothan, AL // 2020

    The Ordinary People Society

    Support for COVID-19 mutual aid and continuum support to individuals and their families impacted by mass-incarceration and homelessness in Dothan.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Montgomery, AL // 2016

    Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama

    Support for the Lynching Memorial project.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Montgomery, AL // 2016

    Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama

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

    Southern Poverty Law Center

    Support for the Florida Campaign to stop trying children as adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Montgomery, AL // 2013

    Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama

    Support to challenge the underrepresentation of African Americans on criminal juries in the South and advocate for the reform of parole policies that contribute to Alabama's high rate of incarceration.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice