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.

  • Fairfax Station, VA // 2022

    Sing For Change

    Support for Julius Jones Institute to build internal capacity and to work toward reforming Oklahoma’s criminal legal system using civic engagement, community organizing and advocacy.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2022

    Third Space Foundation

    Support to Foundation for Liberating Minds
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Lincoln, NE // 2022

    Nebraska Appleseed

    Support for Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Ann Arbor, MI // 2022

    Michigan Center for Youth Justice

    General Support
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Newark, NJ // 2022

    New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

    Support for the campaign to close youth prisons and reinvest in communities.
    Awarded
    $650,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for the Systemic Liberation Project to continue conducting an evaluation of the Colorado Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2022

    Seasoned with Grace Unboxed

    Support for the implementation of policing reform recommendations to build a Denver that is less reliant on policing and the criminal legal system.
    Awarded
    150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tucson, AZ // 2022

    Alliance for Global Justice

    Support to build the capacity of Denver Justice Project to address systemic racism in Denver, CO by transforming law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Colorado Springs, CO // 2022

    Voces Unidas for Justice

    Support for Voces Unidas for Justice to continue serving as the local anchor organization in El Paso County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Pueblo, CO // 2022

    El Movimiento Sigue Inc

    Support for El Movimiento Sigue to continue serving as the local anchor organization in Pueblo County, Colorado as part of the Transforming Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform