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.

  • Calabasas, CA // 2019

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to the Racial Justice Action Center to build cross-community power for criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Tides Foundation

    Support for Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Santa Barbara, CA // 2019

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to build the capacity of the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership to act as an effective intermediary for Colorado's community reinvestment initiative partners.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Easthampton, MA // 2019

    Prison Policy Initiative

    Support to conduct data analyses and produce materials to fill criminal justice data and messaging gaps.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2019

    Texas Public Policy Foundation

    Support to advance state and federal criminal justice reform by generating support from conservative audiences.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    FAMM

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Tides Center

    Support for Alliance for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $750,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    Partnership for Safety and Justice

    Support to advance criminal justice reforms and better address the needs of survivors of crime, people convicted of crime, and the families of both.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Tides Center

    Support to Californians for Safety and Justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Roxbury, MA // 2019

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women

    General support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice