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.

  • Baltimore, MD // 2022

    Restorative Response Baltimore

    Support for an intensive summer reading and writing program dedicated to shifting harmful narratives about Black women and girls through both the meaningful study and creation of art.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    3 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Columbia, MD // 2022

    BreakFree Education

    Support for the BreakFree IRAA Fellowship
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Baltimore, MD // 2020

    United Workers Association

    Support for a workers' rights coalition.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2020

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the Workplace Justice Project.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Bethesda, MD // 2019

    Arizona Community Foundation

    Support for Economic Opportunity Funders to create a prize initiative recognizing innovation in law and policy for low-wage workers’ rights.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Johns Hopkins University

    Support for the Center for Government Excellence to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and training for the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Rockville, MD // 2019

    Pretrial Justice Institute

    Support for the Pretrial Innovators Convention.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    Support to advocate for migrant worker protections through legal representation, transnational litigation support, worker training, and organizing.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2018

    United Workers Association

    General support and program support for a workers' rights coalition. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights