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.

  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Strong Arms of Mississippi

    Support for Strong Arms of Mississippi's programmatic partnerships to support more young people in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2026

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    Support to develop meaningful interventions for justice-impacted youth in Hinds County (Jackson), Mississippi
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2026

    Ubuntu Village NOLA

    Support to Ubuntu's public health approach to violence prevention, promoting health, hope, and healing through community-centered programs.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2026

    Youth Law Center

    Support to strengthen youth justice coalition building in Tennessee focused on stopping the expansion of youth prisons and building the case for concrete and actionable alternatives to incarceration.
    Awarded
    $800,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2026

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    Support to establish a coalition focused on addressing youth incarceration through the effective use of Michigan’s Child Care Fund (CCF).
    Awarded
    $1,000,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Starkville, MS // 2026

    Mississippi State University – Social Science Research Center

    To support the creation and dissemination of a youth criminal legal data landscape report for Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Centennial, CO // 2026

    Denver Community Development Co.

    Support for the Huitzilin Credible Messenger Program.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2025

    Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

    Support for a data landscape analysis of criminal and youth justice in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2025

    Advance Maryland Education Fund

    Support to Advance Maryland Education Funds to expand the reach and content of the Youth Rights and Safety Hub.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Open City Advocates

    Support for efforts aimed at reducing the impact of  long-term incarceration for D.C. youth.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
Secret Link