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 // 2019

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for nonprofit law center advocating on behalf of youth charged as juveniles and adults in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Sulphur, LA // 2019

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to provide training for families to engage and take on leadership roles in states with active Youth First campaigns.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Ubuntu Village Nola

    Support to pilot a Parent Navigator program.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy expertise for advancing criminal justice reform to reduce incarceration in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $770,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Operation Restoration

    Support to reduce the number of incarcerated women and girls while supporting those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2018

    Voice of the Experienced

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $385,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2017

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for a campaign to implement new raise the age policies, and to reduce the transfer of youth to the adult systems in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Sulphur, LA // 2017

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to train and mobilize families directly impacted by the juvenile justice system to engage in state advocacy campaigns calling for an end to youth incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2017

    Voice of the Ex-Offender

    Support to develop and implement a statewide sentencing reform campaign to reduce incarceration in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2015

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for an advocacy campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Louisiana and to remove youth from adult jail in New Orleans.
    Awarded
    $170,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice