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.

  • Richmond, VA // 2018

    ART 180, Inc.

    General support.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Chicago, IL // 2018

    Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    ONE DC

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Split This Rock

    General support.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    Support to hire formerly incarcerated youth to coordinate the Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network (ICAN).
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    March on Washington Film Festival

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    National Women’s Law Center

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Berkeley, CA // 2017

    The Regents of the University of California

    Support to the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at UC Berkeley for a conference to promote racial equity and inclusion.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    The Constitution Project

    General support to build capacity for advancing social justice policies. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

    General support including activities around the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless's 30th anniversary year. 
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund