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.

  • // 2023

    Hive Mentality

    Support to the Youth Innovator Squad.
    Awarded
    Term
    Program
  • Fairfax Station, VA // 2022

    Sing For Change

    Support for Julius Jones Institute to build internal capacity and to work toward reforming Oklahoma’s criminal legal system using civic engagement, community organizing and advocacy.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • North Chesterfield, VA // 2022

    Girls For A Change

    General Support
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2021

    Conscious Capitalist Foundation

    Support for the Rehabilitating Juvenile Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Mechanicsville, VA // 2020

    Women’s Institute for Science Equity and Race

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Lansdowne, VA // 2019

    Prison Fellowship Ministries

    Support to advance justice reform through research, strategic communications, and advocacy.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Arlington, VA // 2019

    WETA

    Support for WETA's PBS NewsHour to support a five part criminal justice-focused broadcast.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Richmond, VA // 2019

    ART 180, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    8 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Richmond, VA // 2018

    ART 180, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2018

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to RISE Youth Campaign which works to create and expand community alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice