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.

  • Boston, MA // 2023

    New Profit, Inc.

    Support for New Profit’s third Unlocked Futures Catalyze cohort. New Profit’s Unlocked Futures initiative aims to increase visibility, remove barriers to capital, and build community with social entrepreneurs and communities who have been directly impacted by the American legal system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2023

    Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.

    Support for Vera Institute of Justice’s True Line Project focused on research and narrative change.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2023

    National Center for Youth Law

    Support for the Lived Experience Advocacy Fellowship (LEAF) and the the Youth Justice Colorado Collaborative Coalition (YJCCC).
    Awarded
    $362,600
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    Echoing Green

    Support for BIPOC leaders developing targeted solutions to the systemic challenges in their communities.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • New York, NY // 2023

    The Marshall Project

    Support The Marshall Project's ability to continue to investigate and publish high-impact journalism and criminal justice, expand its news offerings for people in jails and prisons – including the launch of Inside Story, increase its presence in local news, and strengthen the national news team.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • // 2023

    Visiting Room Project

    Support for The Visiting Room Project's narrative change storytelling work.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Roxbury, MA // 2023

    National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

    General
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2023

    Juvenile Law Center

    General
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2014

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the National Coalition for a Right to Civil Counsel, which is working on behalf of indigent litigants.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Baltimore, MD // 2014

    Centro de los Derechos del Migrante

    Support to upgrade organizational security features.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights