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.

  • Walnut, CA // 2022

    Open Collective Foundation

    Support to JULIAN, a civil and human rights legal organization, for investigations of hate crimes in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to Communities for Just Schools Fund to end the school-to-prison pipeline, advance youth justice, and create healthy and equitable learning environments.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Youth First State Advocacy Fund for state-based advocacy campaigns focused on redirecting resources from youth prisons to community-based approaches, rooted in racial equity.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    School Justice Project

    Support for special education legal services and advocacy for court-involved students with disabilities.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Performing Statistics for youth-led advocacy to end youth incarceration through arts-based programming and exhibits.  
    Awarded
    $203,750
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    School Justice Project

    Support for policy advocacy efforts to promote decarceration, increase community-based alternatives to incarceration, and improve conditions of confinement for DC’s incarcerated young adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    DC Justice Lab

    Support for research, coalition building, elevating the voices of those with lived experience, and policy advocacy to advance justice reform in the District.  
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Greater Washington Community Foundation

    Support for DC Fund for Just and Peaceful Neighborhoods.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Youth First State Advocacy Fund for state-based advocacy campaigns focused on redirecting resources from youth prisons to community-based approaches, rooted in racial equity.
    Awarded
    $220,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice