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 // 2019

    Operation Restoration

    Support to reduce the number of incarcerated women and girls while supporting those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2019

    Detroit Justice Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Aurora, CO // 2019

    Second Chance Center, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2018

    The Marshall Project

    Support for the "Changing the Narrative on Criminal Justice" Speaker Series.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for the National Network of Justice.
    Awarded
    $141,600
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage of criminal justice and youth justice issues.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General support.
    Awarded
    $620,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Atlanta, GA // 2018

    Southern Center for Human Rights

    To reduce incarceration and racial disparities in Georgia's criminal justice system through research, advocacy, and coalition building.
    Awarded
    $525,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Center for Public Policy Priorities

    Fiscal analysis of criminal justice reform policies and community-centered reinvestment strategies in Texas, in partnership with state-based advocates. 
    Awarded
    $70,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Grassroots Leadership

    A criminal justice report on racial disparities and over-incarceration in Harris County, which includes Houston, Texas. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice