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.

  • Maryland // 2026

    Maryland Office of the Public Defender

    Support to the Maryland Office of the Public Defender to support efforts aimed at reducing the use of incarceration for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2026

    University of Baltimore Foundation

    Support for continued research on pretrial detention and “alternative safety metrics.”
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Advance Maryland Education Fund

    Support to Advance Maryland Education Funds to expand the reach and content of the Youth Rights and Safety Hub.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Out For Justice, Inc.

    General support to build capacity for formally incarcerated people to learn and advocate on issues related to reducing mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Gaithersburg, MD // 2025

    Prepare Inc.

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the use of  extreme sentences for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Suitland, MD // 2025

    Life After Release

    Support to expand and develop the Justice and Liberation Institute.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Baltimore Banner

    Support for criminal legal system reporting in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement

    Support to establish a statewide learning community in Maryland to increase training and delivery of credible messenger services to youth and families involved in the Department of Juvenile Services.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Out for Justice

    Support to build capacity for formally incarcerated people to learn and advocate on issues related to reducing mass incarceration in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justce
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Family Support Network

    Support efforts aimed at reducing the impact and likelihood of extreme sentences for Maryland residents.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
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