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.

  • Baltimore, MD // 2019

    Johns Hopkins University

    Support for the Center for Government Excellence to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and training for the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Center for American Progress

    Support to expand alternatives to incarceration and foster public safety through inclusive economic development.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2019

    Living Cities Inc the National Community Development Initiative

    Support for Frontline Solutions.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage on criminal justice reform issues.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    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

    Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative

    Support to implement violence prevention and interruption efforts in impacted neighborhoods in Ward 8 in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Training Grounds Inc.

    Support to implement violence prevention and interruption efforts in impacted neighborhoods in Wards 6 and 7 in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    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
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Collaborative Solutions for Communities

    Support to implement violence prevention and interruption efforts in impacted neighborhoods in Wards 1-5 in the District of Columbia.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2019

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support for the Emerging Leaders: On the Same Page project to provide formerly incarcerated young adults with wraparound reentry services, trauma-informed supports, leadership development, and opportunities to lead restorative, community focused efforts in DC.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities