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

    Pro Bono Institute

    Support to enhance delivery and impact of pro bono legal services for low-income clients.
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    The George Washington University

    Support for the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership for efforts to promote the leadership of legal aid professionals to help increase involvement of the legal aid sector within the healthcare sector to meet the legal needs of clients.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    TimeBanks USA

    Support for efforts to foster client engagement in civil legal aid organizations.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center for Economic and Policy Research

    General support.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Center for Effective Government

    Support for research and advocacy to improve the federal regulatory process.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    D.C. Employment Justice Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Economic Policy Institute

    Support for the organization's Economic Security and Workers' Rights program.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Farmworker Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Consumers League

    Support for the organization's Special Project on Wage Theft.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Partnership for Women & Families

    Support for the organization's Work and Family Program.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights