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.

  • Washington, DC // 2023

    The Education Trust

    Support for the Justice Fellowship Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    The Sentencing Project

    General Support
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    American University

    Support for WAMU/DCist criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    DC Justice Lab

    General Support
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

    Support for Thrive Under 25 leadership.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage of criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support to advance policy reform with regard to D.C.’s approach to justice-involved young adults
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform