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 // 2021

    Loyola University New Orleans

    Support to Loyola University's College of Law to continue a data landscape analysis on Louisiana’s criminal justice systems.
    Awarded
    $2,200
    Term
    5 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    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
    Special Opportunities
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide support for the advisory council of the People First Campaign.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2021

    Partners for Justice

    Support to transform public defense and the criminal justice system in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Foundation for Louisiana

    Support for collaborative funding strategies to advance systems-level change in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $145,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Rich Family Ministries

    Support for participatory defense hub in New Orleans.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for youth justice advocacy and organizing work in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    The Lens

    Support for criminal and youth justice focused investigative journalism in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Baton Rouge, LA // 2021

    SocialWorx Institute, Inc

    Support for Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative Steering Team Association (LA-PRISTA).
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Promise of Justice Initiative

    Support for advocacy and implementation of unanimous juries in Louisiana and to build capacity at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform