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 // 2018

    The Marshall Project

    Support for the "Changing the Narrative on Criminal Justice" Speaker Series.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2018

    Common Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2018

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Support to advance state-base advocacy strategies for increased access to prison-based college education in target states; with the goal of removing the federal ban on access to Pell.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Bronx, NY // 2018

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for the national convening on Credible Messenger Mentoring.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2018

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for worker's compensation reform and Work with Dignity Initiative. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2018

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety & Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2018

    The New Press

    Support to publish a book by Danielle Sered, Executive Director of Common Justice.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2018

    Echoing Green

    Direct costs of two Fellows in the 2018 class who are focused on improving outcomes in criminal justice and/or racial equity related issue areas.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2018

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for training of lawyers in occupational safety and health law. 
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2018

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for State Advocacy Campaigns addressing forced arbitration. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights