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.

  • Pueblo, CO // 2025

    El Movimiento Sigue, Inc

    Support to continue with the statewide Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Grand Junction, CO // 2025

    Freedom Institute, Inc.

    Support for the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    Colorado Circles for Change

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    JFA Institute

    Support to updated and produce a 3.0 landscape report on state jail populations, criminal case filings, and state prison populations.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2025

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2025

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Centennial, CO // 2025

    Denver Community Development Corporation

    Support for youth justice in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    Spero Justice Center

    Support for the Spero Justice Center to advance policy and litigation around extreme sentencing.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justivce
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2024

    Bread and Roses Legal Center

    Support for Bread and Roses Legal Center to decrease the negative impact of the carceral state on trans people of color in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $116,400
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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