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 // 2014

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for the organization's Work with Dignity Program, which provides support to workers' rights groups and also provides national coordination and leadership on workers' compensation reform.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    National Employment Law Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    National Employment Law Project

    Support for meetings on contingent work.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Public Concern Foundation

    Support for a documentary on farmworkers and the work of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support to the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for legal expertise, technical assistance and advocacy on workplace health and safety.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    ROC United

    General support.
    Awarded
    $330,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Brennan Center for Justice

    Support for research and advocacy to reform federal prosecutorial practices contributing to overincarceration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Human Rights Watch

    Support for research on youth tried as adults and work to advance juvenile justice reform in California
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice