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 // 2013

    The Constitution Project

    $20,000 in general support for one year and $80,000 in project support over two years to foster the development of a "Right-Left Justice Working Group" to support criminal justice reform at the federal level.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    The Sentencing Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $320,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $800,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center for Public Integrity

    Support for the organization's Youth Justice Reporting Beat to conduct independent investigative reporting on juvenile justice issues.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Coalition for Youth Justice

    $190,000 in project support to provide resources, training and technical assistance to judges, policymakers and practitioners on the deinstitutionalization of status offenders and $50,000 in general support.
    Awarded
    $240,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Community Foundation for the National Capital Region

    Support for the Youth Justice Work Group of the Youth Transition Funders Group.
    Awarded
    $5,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Center for Youth Justice Reform at Georgetown University Public Policy Institute to convene the Youth Justice Leadership Network and Public Information Officer Learning Collaborative.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Youth Justice Network

    Support for a Fiscal Policy Center to provide technical assistance on budget analysis to juvenile justice advocates and a Youth Justice Leadership Institute to build leadership skills among juvenile justice advocates of color.
    Awarded
    $550,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    DC Bar Foundation

    Support for a special fundraising and capacity building effort to increase resources for and access to civil legal aid in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $13,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund