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 // 2022

    American University

    Support for the WAMU/DCist newsroom to further develop and expand their criminal justice reporting hub.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    School Justice Project

    Support for special education legal services and advocacy for court-involved students with disabilities.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    Support for coalition-building expansion to provide comprehensive reentry services, advocacy, and leadership training for justice-involved residents in DC.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support for Thrive Under 25 leadership and advocacy.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Sentencing Project

    Support for advocacy work in DC and Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement

    Support to improve outcomes for justice-involved youth.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Empower DC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform to convene the Juvenile Justice Leadership Network.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Black Swan Academy Inc

    Support to organize and empower young people in D.C. communities through civic leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform