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.

  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2020

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    Support to advance youth decarceration and reform Michigan’s youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Austin, TX // 2020

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    Support to advance adult and youth justice reforms in Texas.
    Awarded
    $670,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    R Street Institute

    Support to build conservative support for youth justice reforms.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2019

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for nonprofit law center advocating on behalf of youth charged as juveniles and adults in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Miami Shores, FL // 2013

    Barry University

    Support for the Youth Defense Institute to coordinate strategic litigation challenging Florida's prosecution of youth in adult courts.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Miami Shores, FL // 2013

    Barry University

    Support for strategic planning for the Youth Defense Institute to develop a coordinated litigation strategy to challenge Florida's prosecution of youth as adults.
    Awarded
    $20,000
    Term
    3 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2013

    Community Law in Action, Inc.

    Support for a campaign to end the automatic prosecution of youth in adult courts for certain crimes in Maryland.
    Awarded
    $170,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2013

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to implement juvenile justice system reforms in Pennsylvania, bring litigation challenges to laws allowing youth to be tried as adults and develop strategies to reduce lengths of stay for incarcerated youth.
    Awarded
    $330,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Raleigh, NC // 2013

    NC Child

    Support for a campaign to end the automatic adult prosecution of 16- and 17-year olds and work to expand evidence-based alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $85,200
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Newark, NJ // 2013

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support to advocate for reforms to reduce the reliance on incarceration in the juvenile justice system and the transfer of youth to the adult system in New Jersey.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice