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 York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for Columbia University’s Justice Lab to transform the Colorado Department of Corrections Youthful Offender System.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    Support to provide increased member organizing capacity, advocacy training, promote restorative practices, and organize the community of returning citizens.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy expertise for advancing criminal justice reform in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    Support to advance sentencing reform and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    New Venture Fund

    Support for Youth First Initiative to end youth incarceration and redirect resources toward community programs.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2020

    Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

    Support for COVID-19 relief efforts, resource navigation, and to expand COVID-19 communication and outreach efforts within the Black community.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Equity and Transformation

    Support for community organizing efforts to build social and economic equity for Black Chicagoans engaged in the informal economy, COVID-19 mutual aid, and coalition building to reduce Cook County's jail population.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Dothan, AL // 2020

    The Ordinary People Society

    Support for COVID-19 mutual aid and continuum support to individuals and their families impacted by mass-incarceration and homelessness in Dothan.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    Brown Hope

    Support for Equitable Giving Circle to provide Portland's Black and Indigenous economy and community with basic needs, provisions, and health necessities in response to COVID-19.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    Common Counsel Foundation

    Support for Visionary Freedom Fund to support youth justice reform movements across the country.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform