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.

  • Charlottesville, VA // 2021

    Conscious Capitalist Foundation

    Support for the Rehabilitating Juvenile Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Burien, WA // 2021

    CHOOSE 180

    Support for the Youth and Young Adult Advocacy Program.  
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • St. Louis, MO // 2021

    Creative Reaction Lab

    Support for the Creative Design Apprenticeship Program.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support to provide formerly incarcerated young adults in DC with consistent and holistic reentry services, advocacy training, leadership development, and community peacebuilding.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    National Public Radio

    Support for coverage on criminal justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Chicago, IL // 2021

    Resilience Partners NFP

    Support to the TRiiBE to produce original news content and programs to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    Echoing Green

    Support for follow-on funding for alumni fellows focused on racial equity and social entrepreneurs of color to scale up social impact.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Durham, NC // 2021

    Forward Justice

    Support to advance narrative change strategies to usher a cultural shift that humanizes justice-involved people.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Azusa, CA // 2021

    Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals Inc

    Support for the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program’s Worker Hub and Social Enterprise Program.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Education Trust

    Support for the implementation of Pell grants restoration for incarcerated students.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform