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.

  • Washington, DC // 2019

    American University

    Support to the DCist to pursue community led reporting on criminal justice-related stories in D.C. wards east of the river grappling with incarceration and violence.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Safe Passages

    Support to Advance Peace, an initiative that partners with cities committed to interrupting the cycle of violence and incarceration.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2019

    WISDOM

    Support for Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) to advance the Justice Reinvestment in Wisconsin campaign.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    School Justice Project

    Support to ensure older, court-involved youth with education-related disabilities receive quality education, both during incarceration and throughout reentry.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • 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
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Youth First Initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources toward community programs.
    Awarded
    $602,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bronx, NY // 2019

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for effective community-driven alternatives to incarceration for youth.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    Support for the Participatory Defense Movement-NOLA.
    Awarded
    $85,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    ColorOfChange.Org Education Fund

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Columbia University

    Support to the Justice Lab for the Youth Correctional leaders for Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice