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.

  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for youth justice advocacy and organizing work in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2021

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Support to engage practitioners, providers, and community groups to reduce racial disparities in juvenile justice systems.
    Awarded
    $350,000
    Term
    18 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    The Lens

    Support for criminal and youth justice focused investigative journalism in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $80,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Savannah, GA // 2020

    Deep Center

    Support for Still Astronauts, an initiative that empowers directly impacted communities with advocacy skills to transform Georgia's local and state justice systems.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oklahoma City, OK // 2021

    Oklahoma Association of Youth Services

    Support for needs assessment and advocacy to grow a continuum of care for young people impacted by the juvenile justice system in Oklahoma.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Norman, OK // 2021

    Oklahoma Watch

    Support for investigative reporting on Oklahoma’s criminal and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Tulsa, OK // 2021

    MetCares Foundation

    Support to develop a fellowship program for directly impacted community organizers focusing on systemic change around criminal and youth justice.
    Awarded
    $155,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New York, NY // 2021

    Columbia University

    Support for Columbia University’s Justice Lab to transform the Colorado Department of Corrections Youthful Offender System.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Sulphur, LA // 2021

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to expand the network of impacted families, elevate the family perspective, and educate systems professionals on family engagement and alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Voice of the Experienced

    Support to provide grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy expertise for advancing criminal justice reform in Louisiana.
    Awarded
    $700,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform