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.

  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Still She Rises Inc

    Support for Still She Rises to decrease the negative impact of fines and fees and inequitable due process on women and families in Tulsa County.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2023

    Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform

    General Support
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2023

    Second Chances Staffing Services

    Support for Second Chance Staffing Services for the research and development of the "Second Chance Expungement Help Desk."
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2023

    The Community Ltd.

    Support to The Community Ltd to build its narrative campaigns focused on highlighting the successes, humanity, and agency of people with criminal records.
    Awarded
    100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition

    General Support
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Lansing, MI // 2023

    Safe & Just Michigan

    Support for Nation Outside to organize formerly incarcerated leaders in Michigan.
    Awarded
    400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2023

    Detroit Justice Center

    General Support
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2023

    Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

    Support to Latino Coalition for Community Leadership to continue providing technical assistance and capacity building for the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2023

    Oklahoma Policy Institute

    Support for a landscape analysis 2.0 of the juvenile justice systems in Oklahoma and continue developing Oklahoma Policy Institute’s capacity for research and youth justice policy advocacy in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $360,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Justice Innovation Inc.

    Support for a Georgia Pretrial Justice Convening.
    Awarded
    $140,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform