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 // 2019

    Public Citizen Foundation

    Support for advocacy and litigation on worker health and regulatory policy.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Center for Progressive Reform

    Support for occupational safety and health research, policy design, and technical assistance for state and local advocacy.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Youth First State Advocacy Fund.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    Support for advocacy, media, research and policy initiatives to end the prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration of youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    National Juvenile Justice Network

    Support for a Network of Youth Justice Advocates, a membership group of state-based juvenile justice advocacy organizations.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Voices for Civil Justice to generate media coverage of civil legal aid, and increase the visibility and communications capacity of the sector.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    R Street Institute

    Support to build conservative support for ending policies to try youth as adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    FAMM

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Pacifica Foundation, dba WPFW

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    The Praxis Project

    Support for the UndocuBlack Network.
    Awarded
    $32,617
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities