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 // 2015

    New Venture Fund

    Support to bring the Self-Represented Litigation Network to scale.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    National Legal Aid and Defender Association

    Support for training and technical assistance to increase access to federal resources for civil legal services organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support to continue and complete the work of the expansion for the state-based Access to Justice Commissions.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    National Legal Aid and Defender Association

    Support for technical assistance and advocacy to increase access to federal resources for civil legal service organizations nationally.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support to evaluate and continue to strengthen the Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    16 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    New Venture Fund

    Support to house a collective communications initiative that will create a common narrative in the media, casting a spotlight on the vital role of civil legal aid, ultimately leading to increased attention, support and resources for the sector.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    Pro Bono Institute

    Support to enhance delivery and impact of pro bono legal services for low-income clients.
    Awarded
    $55,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • New York, NY // 2013

    Pro Bono Net

    Support for a convening of the Self-Represented Litigation Network to assess its future role, activities and priorities in the area of access to justice for the self-represented.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Baltimore, MD // 2013

    Public Justice Center

    Support to lead the National Coalition for a Right to Civil Counsel and advance civil rights to legal counsel for the poor.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid
  • Washington, DC // 2013

    The George Washington University

    Support for the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership for efforts to promote the leadership of legal aid professionals to help increase involvement of the legal aid sector within the healthcare sector to meet the legal needs of clients.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid