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.

  • San Francisco, CA // 2020

    Pacific Juvenile Defender Center

    Support for youth justice advocacy and reform.
    Awarded
    $165,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support for policy and technical assistance for D.C.'s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA //

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Women Involved in Reentry Efforts to mobilize formerly incarcerated women to lead criminal justice reform efforts in Washington, D.C.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2020

    Community Partners

    Support for Healing Dialogue and Action.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2020

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for COVID-19 relief efforts for WAGEES partners to support formerly incarcerated people in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Calabasas, CA // 2020

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for RISE for Youth to transform juvenile justice in Virginia.    
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Jose, CA // 2020

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for a state advocacy coalition for low-wage workers’ rights in California.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Safe Passages

    Support to Advance Peace, an initiative that partners with cities committed to interrupting the cycle of violence and incarceration.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Independent Arts & Media

    Support for the production of a criminal justice centered documentary from The Atlantic.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities