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.

  • Washington, DC // 2013

    DC Volunteer Lawyers Project

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Charlottesville, VA // 2013

    Legal Aid Justice Center

    Support to expand civil legal aid through the novel use of a new technology to improve pro bono case management.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Jackson, MS // 2013

    Mississippi Center for Justice

    Support to assist legal services organizations and pro bono attorneys in New Jersey and New York with Hurricane Sandy legal recovery efforts.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Neighborhood Legal Services Program for the District of Columbia

    Support to undertake a community listening and engagement study with low-income residents to assess from their perspectives challenges and barriers to addressing legal needs of low-income communities in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $22,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Neighborhood Legal Services Program for the District of Columbia

    Support for organizational strategic planning with the help of a consultant.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Martinsville, VA // 2013

    New College Institute

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    ONE DC

    Support for outreach and training activities to build the capacity of DC residents to advocate in a campaign for economic equality and living wage jobs.
    Awarded
    $15,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • San Francisco, CA // 2013

    Tides Center

    Support to help launch the Talent Philanthropy Project for activities to encourage philanthropic investment in nonprofit talent and staff development to build the capacity of the social justice advocacy sector.
    Awarded
    $16,500
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2014

    American University – Washington College of Law

    Support for the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University's Washington College of Law to develop training and advocacy materials on the human right to civil legal counsel.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Silver Spring, MD // 2014

    Catholic Legal Immigration Network

    Support to help develop an innovative self-directed online training course for immigrant legal service providers.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund