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.

  • Brooklyn, NY // 2022

    Capital B News Inc

    Support to the creation of high-quality, relevant, criminal justice reporting to underserved Black American communities.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Landers, CA // 2022

    Appeal Inc

    General Support
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Futuro Media

    Support for Futuro Media to expand its criminal justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Centennial, CO // 2022

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado Inc

    Support for Colorado Public Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Regents of the University of Michigan

    Support for Michigan Radio to expand adult and youth justice reporting.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 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
  • Baltimore, MD // 2022

    Restorative Response Baltimore

    Support for an intensive summer reading and writing program dedicated to shifting harmful narratives about Black women and girls through both the meaningful study and creation of art.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    3 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Youth Radio

    Support for YR Media’s National Youth Justice Desk to focus on stories led by the lived experiences of those directly impacted by the youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Madison, WI // 2022

    EX-incarcerated People Organizing

    Support to advance EXPO's justice reinvestment efforts in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    American University

    Support for the WAMU/DCist newsroom to further develop and expand their criminal justice reporting hub.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform