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.

  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

    Support to train antipoverty advocates and legal aid lawyers in strategies to combat racism through its Racial Justice Training Institute. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2016

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    National People’s Action

    Support to merge three community organizing and advocacy networks into one national entity with increased capacity to drive substantive campaigns for economic and racial equality.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support toåÊcontinue the Access to Justice Commissions Expansion Project.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC)

    Support to provide technical assistance and establish pilot programs to divert pretrial defendants from jail to Medicaid-funded community-based behavioral health treatment.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Gamaliel Foundation

    Support for advocacy to improve access to federally-funded construction jobs for women and people of color.
    Awarded
    $20,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Children and Family Justice Center

    Support to promote more effective and fair juvenile justice policies in Illinois.
    Awarded
    $180,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support to continue and complete the work of the expansion for the state-based Access to Justice Commissions.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2014

    Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC)

    Support to provide technical assistance to three counties to divert pretrial defendants from jail to Medicaid-funded community-based behavioral health treatment.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice