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 Market, TN // 2021

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the People's Advocacy Institute.
    Awarded
    $235,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Oklahoma Justice Fund, a pooled fund that works to reduce incarceration and boost economic mobility of system-impacted people across Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Terence Crutcher Foundation, which employs advocacy, organizing, outreach, and rapid response services to support criminal and youth justice reform in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to Latino Coalition for the Transforming Justice Initiative, and to develop the organization’s capacity to highlight the replicability of Colorado’s community reinvestment model.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Detroit, MI // 2021

    Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

    Support for the Michigan Justice Fund, an initiative to coordinate justice reform efforts in Michigan.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Savannah, GA // 2020

    Deep Center

    Support for Still Astronauts, an initiative that empowers directly impacted communities with advocacy skills to transform Georgia's local and state justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Resilience Partners NFP

    Support to the TRiiBE to produce original news content and programs to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for Women on the Rise, a grassroots organization led by directly impacted women working on justice reform in Georgia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2021

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support for The Freedom Institute to serve as a local anchor organization in Mesa County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform