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.

  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2026

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    General support to advance youth decarceration and reform in Michigan’s youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2025

    Milwaukee Turners, Inc

    General support to advance youth and adult decarceration and criminal legal reform in Wisconsin.
    Awarded
    $900,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Pueblo, CO // 2025

    El Movimiento Sigue, Inc

    Support to continue with the statewide Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Bethesda, MD // 2025

    Community Science, Inc.

    Support to provide individualized capacity building and technical assistance to a cohort of ten Foundation partners, and broader support for all partners.
    Awarded
    $104,500
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    Colorado Circles for Change

    General support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Denver, CO // 2025

    JFA Institute

    Support to updated and produce a 3.0 landscape report on state jail populations, criminal case filings, and state prison populations.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2025

    Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement

    Support to establish a statewide learning community in Maryland to increase training and delivery of credible messenger services to youth and families involved in the Department of Juvenile Services.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Detroit, MI // 2025

    Wayne State University

    Support for a third Michigan Data Landscape on adult and youth justice.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Criminal Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Hinds County Children’s Coalition

    Support to strengthen diversion and continuum of care services in Hinds County and to host its first-ever youth-led Summit in August 2025.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Jackson, MS // 2025

    Clergy for Prison Reform

    Support to expand efforts to expand staff capacity and broaden its impact.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
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