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 // 2023

    The Marshall Project

    Support for a Marshall Project newsroom in Jackson to expand local reporting on criminal justice.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2023

    Women With A Vision

    Program support for Women With A Vision’s youth justice and decriminalization initiatives
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    One Voice

    Support for One Voice to continue criminal justice reform and violence interruption work in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support to People's Advocacy Institute for Jackson Water Relief Efforts
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    Operation Shoestring Inc

    General Support for the Jackson Water Relief Efforts
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Columbia, MS // 2022

    New Life Fellowship Ministries Inc

    Support to Clergy for Prison Reform for the Jackson water relief efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    11 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    Springboard To Opportunities

    General Support for the Jackson water relief efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects

    General Support for the Jackson water relief efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the Mississippi Justice Funders Collaborative, a pooled fund to support coordinated criminal legal reform in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $230,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    National Public Radio

    Support for criminal and youth justice media coverage in three Gulf State Newsrooms: Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform