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 // 2017

    Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

    Support to the Executives' Alliance for Boys and Men of Color. 
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Bay Area Legal Aid

    Support for the first phase development of a new digital intake system to support efficiency and innovation among legal providers in improving access to justice for low-income residents in Northern California. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • San Francisco, CA // 2017

    Tides Foundation

    Support to the Indivisible Fund for its work to advance civic advocacy and engagement at the community level. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2017

    Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy

    Support for the Clean and Safe Ports campaign, a coordinated campaign to enforce policies preventing the misclassification of truckers operating at the ports.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Francisco, CA // 2017

    Tides Center

    Support for the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a multi-state advocacy campaign seeking to significantly reduce the US prison population in target states, reduce racial disparities in system-involved populations, and build momentum for reform nationally. 
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2017

    National Immigration Law Center

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Impact Justice

    Support for Impact Justice's Center on Youth Registration Reform which advocates for an end to youth sex offender registries. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Neighborhood Funders Group

    Support for Funders for a Just Economy.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2017

    Worksafe

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2017

    Working Partnerships USA

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights