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.

  • Bronx, NY // 2019

    Community Connections for Youth

    Support for the Carolina Youth Action Project's campaign to remove school resource officers from school campuses.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2018

    Columbia University

    Support for The Justice Lab to coordinate Youth Correctional Administrators for Justice.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Portland, OR // 2018

    National Crittenton Foundation

    Support to provide training and technical assistance to youth justice stakeholders on building a continuum of community-based supports and services for girls.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2018

    Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice

    Support for the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center.
    Awarded
    $165,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bridgeport, CT // 2018

    Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership

    Support for the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Milwaukee, WI // 2018

    Public Allies

    Support for Youth Justice Milwaukee.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2018

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    Program support for coordinating a new research network to focus on structural racism in the administration of youth justice, and the Community Justice Network for Youth.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Advancement Project

    Support for Action Camp.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    6 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2018

    Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Boston, MA // 2018

    Citizens for Juvenile Justice

    General support.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice