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.

  • 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
  • Chicago, IL // 2020

    Equity and Transformation

    Support for community organizing efforts to build social and economic equity for Black Chicagoans engaged in the informal economy, COVID-19 mutual aid, and coalition building to reduce Cook County's jail population.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Oakland, CA // 2020

    Hispanics In Philanthropy

    Support to Justice for Migrant Women for a national essential worker’s strategy and farmworker women organizing, in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2020

    National Domestic Workers Alliance

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2020

    Jobs with Justice Education Fund

    Support for a National Essential Worker’s Strategy in response to COVID-19 and racial justice uprisings.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Madison, WI // 2020

    State Innovation Exchange

    Support for multi-state technical assistance on low-wage worker issues.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Minneapolis, MN // 2020

    BlueGreen Alliance Foundation

    Support for Making Work Safer, Healthier, and More Equitable.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Lexington, KY // 2020

    Kentucky Equal Justice Center

    Support for state advocacy for workplace safety.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Boston, MA // 2020

    Community Labor United

    Support for state and local policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Massachusetts.
    Awarded
    $525,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Portland, OR // 2020

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    Support for state policy advocacy for low-wage workers in Oregon.
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights