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 // 2019

    Race Forward

    Support for Race Forward’s Mass Freedom: Confronting Mass Criminalization project.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • San Francisco, CA // 2019

    Independent Arts & Media

    Support for the production of a criminal justice centered documentary from The Atlantic.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Voices for a Second Chance

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Vera Institute of Justice

    Support for Restoring Promise, an initiative of Vera Institute of Justice that partners with prisons and jails across the country to transform living and working conditions inside facilities.
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens

    General support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Salinas, CA // 2019

    Action Council of Monterey County

    Support for MILPA (Motivating Individual Leadership for Public Advancement).
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities