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.

  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Justice Policy Institute

    For research, public education, and re-framing the debate around tough-on-crime justice reform efforts in Maryland, fueled by the resurrection of law and order rhetoric at the national level. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2018

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support for the Lone Start Justice Alliance. 
    Awarded
    $85,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansing, MI // 2018

    Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $511,335
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2018

    American Friends Service Committee

    Support for a statewide sentencing reform campaign in Arizona. 
    Awarded
    $485,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2018

    Voice of the Experienced

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $385,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2017

    Tides Center

    Support for Californians for Safety and Justice, to advocate for statewide criminal justice reform, including building support among diverse constituencies.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Lansdowne, VA // 2017

    Prison Fellowship Ministries

    Support to mobilize grassroots prison ministry volunteers to advance sentencing reform in target states. 
    Awarded
    $320,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    The Sentencing Project

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

    Support to educate membership about the need to advance sentencing reform at the national and state levels, as well as partner with state-based groups working to end mass incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2017

    Drug Policy Alliance

    Support to advance sentencing and pretrial detention reforms to reduce incarceration rates in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice