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.

  • Denver, CO // 2024

    University of Colorado Foundation for the benefit of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence

    Support for youth justice advocacy in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Centennial, CO // 2024

    Denver Community Development Corporation

    Support for youth justice in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Boulder, CO // 2024

    Motus Theatre

    Support for theatrical performances to reform youth justice in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Spero Justice Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2024

    Second Chance Center, Inc.

    General
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2023

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support to continue building its justice advocacy within the Transforming Justice Initiative framework. The goal is to expand the local definition of public safety to focus on and invest in activities proven to decrease crime and increase safety and moving money from law enforcement and jails to healing-focused community-based supports.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Colorado Circles for Change

    General
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Grand Junction, CO // 2023

    Freedom Institute, Inc.

    Support to continue building its youth justice advocacy within the Transforming Justice Initiative framework.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Columbia University

    Support for Emerging Adults Justice Project in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    REDLINE

    Support to Bread and Roses Legal Center for the Queers for Q Mutual Aid.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform