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 York, NY // 2023

    The Marshall Project

    Support for a Marshall Project newsroom in Jackson to expand local reporting on criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Associated Press

    Support deepening criminal and youth justice investigative reporting and improving journalism on criminal justice through language and skills training with other news outlets.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Justice Innovation Inc.

    Support for a Georgia Pretrial Justice Convening.
    Awarded
    $140,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Program support for Vera Louisiana to launch a criminal justice data dashboard.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Capital B News Inc

    Support to the creation of high-quality, relevant, criminal justice reporting to underserved Black American communities.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Buffalo, NY // 2022

    Open Buffalo Inc

    Emergency Support for Buffalo Relief.
    Awarded
    $318,167
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brentwood, NY // 2022

    New Hour for Women and Children – Long Island

    General Support
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Futuro Media

    Support for Futuro Media to expand its criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Drug Policy Alliance

    Support for the DecrimPovertyDC campaign
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2022

    United States Fund for UNICEF

    Support for Ukraine Crisis Response Fund
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities