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.

  • Los Angeles, CA // 2022

    Community Partners

    Support for the implementation of restorative justice programming
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support to The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform to provide technical assistance to institutions in the District of Columbia implementing a Gun Violence Reduction Strategy.
    Awarded
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • San Francisco, CA // 2022

    Tides Center

    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 // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to Women on the Rise to strengthen its operating and programmatic infrastructure.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Walnut, CA // 2022

    Open Collective Foundation

    Support to JULIAN, a civil and human rights legal organization, for investigations of hate crimes in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    National Center for Youth Law

    Support for Colorado Youth Justice Initiative to reduce the negative impact of the legal system on Colorado youth.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Azusa, CA // 2022

    Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals Inc

    Support for the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program’s Worker Hub and Social Enterprise Program.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Youth Radio

    Support for YR Media’s National Youth Justice Desk to focus on stories led by the lived experiences of those directly impacted by the youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • San Francisco, CA // 2022

    Tides Center

    Support for the Powell Project to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for RISE for Youth to dismantle the current prison model, create and expand community alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform