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.

  • Philadelphia, PA // 2018

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $485,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for organizational and leadership organizational capacity-building.
    Awarded
    $40,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies. 
    Awarded
    $630,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2017

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for the Policy and Advocacy Center to advocate for community alternatives to youth incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support to implement a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    9 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2016

    Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project

    Support to ensure effective representation of individuals in Pennsylvania whose juvenile life without parole sentences are eligible for review under Montgomery v. Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2015

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support for litigation challenges to laws allowing youth to be tried and sentenced as adults and work to reduce length of stay for incarcerated youth.
    Awarded
    $265,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2015

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for the Policy and Advocacy Center which works to promote more effective, community-based alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Dallas, PA // 2013

    Justice Project, LLC

    Support for a documentary film produced by Justice Project LLC about the "kids for cash" judicial corruption scandal in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Youth Justice