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.

  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Black Women’s Blueprint

    General Support
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Columbia University

    Support for the Justice Lab to design a community-centered approach to youth justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Inside Climate News

    Support to provide reporting and analysis on climate, energy, and environmental news.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Capital B News, Inc.

    Support to provide high-quality, relevant, criminal justice reporting to Black Atlantans.
    Awarded
    $114,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Bronx, NY // 2021

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for effective community-driven alternatives to incarceration for youth.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for the Justice Lab to provide technical assistance to systems stakeholders for youth justice and young adult justice reform efforts in Colorado and Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Common Justice

    Support to collaborate with People’s Advocacy Institute for technical assistance for restorative justice-based alternatives to incarceration in Jackson and build a continuum of care in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Partners for Justice

    Support to transform public defense and the criminal justice system in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to help state corrections departments and colleges nationwide plan for an increase in postsecondary education enrollment in prison.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities