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.

  • Newark, NJ // 2022

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for the campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $650,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Newark, NJ // 2020

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $602,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2018

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a statewide campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Brunswick, NJ // 2017

    Rutgers University – Center for Innovation in Worker Organization

    Support for education state and local labor departments on strategic enforcement practices. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Newark, NJ // 2016

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for a campaign to reduce youth incarceration in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2013

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support to advocate for reforms to reduce the reliance on incarceration in the juvenile justice system and the transfer of youth to the adult system in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Ewing, NJ // 2013

    New Jersey Work Environment Council

    General support.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Newark, NJ // 2014

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support to advocate for reduced reliance on youth incarceration and transfer to the adult system in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice