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.

  • Boston, MA // 2014

    FSG Social Impact Advisors

    Support to provide coaching to a collaborative justice initiative in Minnesota.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2014

    FJC-A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds

    Support for the Stephen Rose Legacy Fund.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    Families Against Mandatory Minimums Foundation

    Support for the Clemency Project 2014.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Columbia School of Law

    Support to the Human Rights Institute at Columbia Law School for a convening of legal experts to coordinate international and domestic access to justice and civil counsel work.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Children’s Aid Society

    Support for the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Silver Spring, MD // 2014

    Catholic Legal Immigration Network

    Support to help develop an innovative self-directed online training course for immigrant legal service providers.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    American University – Washington College of Law

    Support for the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University's Washington College of Law to develop training and advocacy materials on the human right to civil legal counsel.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Oakland, CA // 2014

    Youth Radio

    Support for the Youth Justice Desk, which produces media stories on juvenile justice from the perspective of youth, including incarcerated youth.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2014

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2014

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support to help Governor Cuomo's Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice develop a plan for raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in New York.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice