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 // 2016

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Voices for Civil Justice: A Breakthrough Strategic Communications Initiative for Civil Legal Aid.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    ONE DC

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Public Citizen Foundation

    Support to increase collective capacity with the Americans for Financial Reform on halting forced arbitration provisions in consumer contracts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Economic Policy Institute

    Support research estimating the impact of wage theft, misclassification, and forced arbitration.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    National Public Radio

    Support for on-air coverage of issues related to low-wage workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Better Schools Better Jobs for Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    The Sentencing Project

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support to Youth First!, a national initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources to community programs.
    Awarded
    $895,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Center for Public Integrity

    Support for a workers' rights reporting beat.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights