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.

  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Operation Good

    Support for Operation Good’s community violence intervention program in Jackson and surrounding communities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ridgeland, MS // 2024

    Mississippi Today

    Support for investigative reporting on Mississippi's criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,00
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2024

    Neighborhood Defender Service

    Support for Neighborhood Defender Service to launch a holistic Public Defense System in Jackson, and Pilot its PACE Program in the Antelope Valley in California.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2024

    Common Justice

    Support to collaborate with People's Advocacy Institute to expand the use of restorative justice-based alternatives to incarceration in Jackson, MS
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2024

    Reaching and Educating for Community Hope (RECH) Foundation

    Program and capacity support for Reaching and Educating for Community Hope’s comprehensive community-based reentry and rehabilitation program in Jackson, MS.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2023

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ridgeland, MS // 2023

    Mississippi Today

    Support for investigative reporting on Mississippi's criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    One Voice

    Support for One Voice to continue criminal justice reform and violence interruption work in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    Operation Shoestring Inc

    General Support for the Jackson Water Relief Efforts
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Columbia, MS // 2022

    New Life Fellowship Ministries Inc

    Support to Clergy for Prison Reform for the Jackson water relief efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    11 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities