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.

  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Common Counsel Foundation

    Support for Visionary Freedom Fund to support youth justice reform movements across the country.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Youth BreakOUT! for Hurricane Ida relief efforts.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to conduct an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support for policy and technical assistance for D.C.'s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Project.
    Awarded
    $215,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    New Breath Foundation

    Support to provide coordination, convening, and leadership development for racial justice and solidarity initiatives in the Asian American community.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Alisa Viejo, CA // 2021

    Haitian Bridge Alliance

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • San Francisco, CA // 2021

    Tides Foundation

    Support to Zealous for a coordinated platform for public defender-led media and policy advocacy campaigns.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Performing Statistics for youth-led advocacy to end youth incarceration through arts-based programming and exhibits.  
    Awarded
    $203,750
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to Latino Coalition for the Transforming Justice Initiative, and to develop the organization’s capacity to highlight the replicability of Colorado’s community reinvestment model.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform