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.

  • New Orleans, LA // 2026

    Ubuntu Village NOLA

    Support to Ubuntu's public health approach to violence prevention, promoting health, hope, and healing through community-centered programs.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2026

    East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Coalition

    Support for East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Coalition.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2026

    Operation Restoration

    Support for women, girls, and families impacted by incarceration in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

    Support for a data landscape analysis of criminal and youth justice in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    First 72+

    Support to the First 72+ Just Reentry Policy Program.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2025

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Program support for Vera Louisiana's criminal justice reform initiatives.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2025

    Louisiana Parole Project

    Support to implement Impacting Freedom Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

    General support.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2025

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    General support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    The Lens

    Support to continue coverage of city and state criminal legal systems, expand youth justice coverage, and employ a full-time criminal justice reporter and freelance journalists.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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