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 // 2017

    NAACP

    Support for improved technology and strategic development of a national voting rights and civic engagement campaign.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2017

    NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund

    Support for a political participation program to protect voting rights and promote civic engagement among diverse communities. 
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2017

    Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

    Support to train antipoverty advocates and legal aid lawyers in strategies to combat racism through its Racial Justice Training Institute. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

    Support to build capacity for racial justice advocacy.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Providence, RI // 2016

    Stephen C. Rose Legacy Foundation

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Minneapolis, MN // 2016

    Borealis Philanthropy

    Support for organizational capacity building efforts of the Black-Led Movement Fund grantees.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Smithsonian Institution

    Support for exhibition development and construction of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Williamsburg, VA // 2016

    National Center for State Courts

    Support for a national multimedia community engagement project on public trust and confidence in the courts.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers

    Support for training, outreach, and related activities to further WRAG's work on its learning series on racism.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    Namati

    Support to explore opportunities in the U.S. in order to broaden its global network of community paralegals working to advance justice and legal empowerment.
    Awarded
    $30,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities