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.

  • Centennial, CO // 2022

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado Inc

    Support for Colorado Public Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Grand Junction, CO // 2022

    Freedom Institute Inc

    Support for The Freedom Institute to lead justice reform efforts in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Colorado Circles for Change

    Support for the continued movement building of community-centered youth justice advocacy in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    JFA Institute

    Support to do update and augment the Colorado criminal justice data landscape analysis.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    75th Anniversary True Reformer Award: support to strengthen CCJRC's operating and programmatic infrastructure.  
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Aurora, CO // 2022

    Second Chance Center

    Support for holistic, client-centered services to help formerly incarcerated people transition to lives of success and fulfillment in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support for El Movimiento Sigue as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado

    Support to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2021

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support to serve as a local anchor organization in El Paso County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform