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.

  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Choosing Justice Initiatives

    Support for judicial transparency and accountability in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Southern Movement Committee

    General support for Southern Movement Committee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    Institute for Public Service Reporting

    Support for data gathering and investigative reporting in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2024

    MLK50: Justice Through Journalism

    Support for public safety reporting and community engagement in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2024

    Stand for Children Leadership Center

    Support for advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building efforts for youth justice in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Unheard Voices Outread

    Support for formerly incarcerated person-led advocacy in Tennessee.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2024

    Think Tennessee

    Support for the first landscape report of Tennessee’s criminal legal system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2023

    Youth Law Center

    Support for Tennessee Youth Justice Reform Advocacy
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Memphis, TN // 2023

    JustCity, Inc.

    Support for advocacy for pretrial justice, clean records, and to end fines and fees in Memphis.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Nashville, TN // 2023

    Free Hearts

    Support for advocacy in organizing families impacted by incarceration.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice