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 // 2026

    Futuro Media

    Support for criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2026

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Public Radio criminal justice coverage.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Ridgeland, Mississippi // 2026

    Mississippi Today

    Support for expanded youth justice investigations and coverage in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $300,00
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • New York, NY // 2026

    The Marshall Project

    Support for The Marshall Project's reporting on criminal justice nationally and in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2026

    Oklahoma Watch, Inc.

    Support for in-depth criminal justice news coverage in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • // 2026

    Ona Media Company, LLC

    Awarded
    $1,102.50
    Term
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Center for Just Journalism

    Support to Center for Just Journalism to strengthen media coverage of D.C.’s criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2025

    1235 Strategies

    Awarded
    $540,100
    Term
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Atlanta, GA // 2025

    Capital B News, Inc.

    Support for Capital B News Inc to continue coverage of Atlanta’s criminal justice challenges and to host a series of community listening  sessions on criminal justice issues.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
  • Nashville, TN // 2025

    Nashville Public Radio

    Support for WPLN Criminal Justice Reporting.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Narrative Change
Secret Link