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.

  • Denver, CO // 2023

    REDLINE

    Support to Bread and Roses Legal Center for the Queers for Q Mutual Aid.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Denver Youth Program dba Metro Denver Partners

    Support for Denver Youth Program to decrease community violence through their hospital-based violence intervention and wraparound program.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Justice For Greenwood Foundation

    Support to build a policing reform project to repair the harm caused by the Tulsa Race Massacre and the resulting over-policing of Black Tulsa.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Four Winds American Indian Council

    Support to establish a Participatory Defense Hub and community base building epicenter.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General Support
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Detroit Justice Center

    General Support
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2023

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to Latino Coalition for Community Leadership to continue providing technical assistance and capacity building for the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to continue conducting an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Seasoned with Grace Unboxed

    Support for the implementation of policing reform recommendations to build a Denver that is less reliant on policing and the criminal legal system.
    Awarded
    150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tucson, AZ // 2022

    Alliance for Global Justice

    Support to build the capacity of Denver Justice Project to address systemic racism in Denver, CO by transforming law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform