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.

  • Charlottesville, VA // 2021

    Conscious Capitalist Foundation

    Support for the Rehabilitating Juvenile Justice Initiative.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Black Swan Academy Inc

    Support to organize and empower young people in D.C. communities through civic leadership and engagement.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2021

    One Voice

    Support for a criminal and youth justice landscape analysis in Mississippi.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Justice Policy Institute

    Support for the D.C. Emerging Adult Justice Action Collaborative.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support to provide formerly incarcerated young adults in DC with consistent and holistic reentry services, advocacy training, leadership development, and community peacebuilding.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Denver, CO // 2021

    Public Broadcasting of Colorado

    Support to expand adult and youth justice reporting in Colorado.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Oklahoma Justice Fund, a pooled fund that works to reduce incarceration and boost economic mobility of system-impacted people across Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    Tulsa Community Foundation

    Support for Terence Crutcher Foundation, which employs advocacy, organizing, outreach, and rapid response services to support criminal and youth justice reform in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $130,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2021

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support to Performing Statistics for youth-led advocacy to end youth incarceration through arts-based programming and exhibits.  
    Awarded
    $203,750
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2021

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation, policy reform, and public education to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies.
    Awarded
    $415,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform