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.

  • Portland, OR // 2016

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    $200,000 for general support and $200,000 for program support for a state policy coalition focused on workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    Support for the Safe Kids, Safe Communities campaign to challenge the automatic prosecution of youth as adults.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2013

    National Indian Child Welfare Association

    Support to produce and disseminate a report on effective ways to reduce the overrepresentation of Native American youth in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Justice for Families

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2014

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    $200,000 in general support and $200,000 for support for a state policy coalition focused on workers' rights.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights