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.

  • New York, NY // 2020

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety & Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Dorchester, MA // 2020

    Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health

    General support.
    Awarded
    $225,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Economic and Social Rights Initiative

    Support for worker's compensation reform and Work with Dignity Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2020

    United Workers Association

    Support for a workers' rights coalition.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2020

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the Workplace Justice Project.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    Support for state and local policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Illinois.
    Awarded
    $1,050,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • San Jose, CA // 2020

    Working Partnerships USA

    Support for a state advocacy coalition for low-wage workers’ rights in California.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Oakland, CA // 2019

    Worksafe

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Whitesburg, KY // 2019

    Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center

    General support.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2019

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for fundraising technical assistance to Workers’ Rights grantees.
    Awarded
    $175,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights