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 // 2017

    New World Foundation

    Support for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative to promote the increase of diverse-owned asset management firms for institutional investors, including foundations. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Pro Bono Net

    Support for outreach and engagement of community and nontraditional justice partners to help increase the availability of immi, a highly scalable digital solution for legal screening, rights education, and legal referrals for low-income immigrants seeking relief. 
    Awarded
    $65,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • New York, NY // 2017

    The New Press

    Support to develop and publish two books with a focus on workers' rights and worker safety. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to Common Justice to help develop community-based reinvestment strategies nationally.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2017

    NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund

    Support for a political participation program to protect voting rights and promote civic engagement among diverse communities. 
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Children’s Defense Fund

    Support for the campaign to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in New York. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Do Something, Inc.

    Support for Temporary Employee LLC's targeted distribution of a documentary film promoting temporary workers' rights at advocacy events. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2017

    National Employment Law Project

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Make the Road New York

    Support to launch a statewide multi-issue workers' rights advocacy table.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2017

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support to provide technical assistance and serve as a campaign hub for state workers' rights coalitions. 
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights