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.

  • Portland, OR // 2018

    Northwest Employment Education and Defense Fund

    General support and program support for state policy coalition.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2018

    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
  • Lincoln, NE // 2018

    Nebraska Appleseed

    Support for advocacy for meat and poultry workers.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2018

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety & Health Law Project.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Center for American Progress

    Support for research into wage theft from high-fee pay delivery systems. 
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • New York, NY // 2018

    NEO Philanthropy

    Support for the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project for training of lawyers in occupational safety and health law. 
    Awarded
    $60,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2018

    Public Justice Center

    Support for the Workplace Justice Project. 
    Awarded
    $600,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Baltimore, MD // 2018

    United Workers Association

    General support and program support for a workers' rights coalition. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Chicago, IL // 2018

    Raise the Floor Alliance

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights
  • Brooklyn, NY // 2018

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Support for State Advocacy Campaigns addressing forced arbitration. 
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Workers' Rights