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 Orleans, LA // 2021

    Loyola University New Orleans

    Support to Loyola University's College of Law to continue a data landscape analysis on Louisiana’s criminal justice systems.
    Awarded
    $2,200
    Term
    5 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2021

    Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health

    Support for Milwaukee Freedom Fund to end pretrial detention and reinvest in Milwaukee’s communities.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Bronx, NY // 2021

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for effective community-driven alternatives to incarceration for youth.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2021

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Support to create the Milwaukee DYFS Youth Justice Partnership Fund.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for the Justice Lab to provide technical assistance to systems stakeholders for youth justice and young adult justice reform efforts in Colorado and Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MPRC) to reform Mississippi’s punitive sentencing laws and prison system.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2021

    Hmong American Women’s Association

    Support for LiberateMKE, a campaign calling for divestment from police and reinvestment into communities.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to conduct an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Support for policy and technical assistance for D.C.'s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Project.
    Awarded
    $215,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Black Swan Academy Inc

    Support to organize and empower young people in D.C. communities through civic leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform