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 // 2026

    Catalyze Justice

    Support to Catalyze Justice to provide technical  assistance and convening support for Igniting Futures grant recipients.
    Awarded
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunity
  • New York, NY // 2026

    Futuro Media

    Support for criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Strong Arms of Mississippi

    Support for Strong Arms of Mississippi's programmatic partnerships to support more young people in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Mississippi Impact Coalition

    Support to Mississippi Impact Coalition (MIC) to reform Mississippi’s justice landscape.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    Support to develop meaningful interventions for justice-impacted youth in Hinds County (Jackson), Mississippi
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    People’s Advocacy Institute

    Program Support for the MS Bail Fund Collective, Participatory Legal Defense and the Restorative Justice Diversion program.
    Awarded
    $280,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2026

    Ubuntu Village NOLA

    Support to Ubuntu's public health approach to violence prevention, promoting health, hope, and healing through community-centered programs.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2026

    LiveFree Oklahoma, Inc.

    Support for LiveFree to continue its existing peacemaking and expand into Southeast Oklahoma City.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Knoxville, TN // 2026

    Community Defense of East Tennessee

    Support for CDET to continue addressing the expansion of incarceration and anti-Black policies and actions, and defending against ongoing attacks on community-led safety efforts.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2026

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Public Radio criminal justice coverage.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
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