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.

  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Georgetown University

    Support to the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform to convene the Juvenile Justice Leadership Network. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Sulphur, LA // 2017

    Justice for Families, LTD

    Support to train and mobilize families directly impacted by the juvenile justice system to engage in state advocacy campaigns calling for an end to youth incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New Orleans, LA // 2017

    Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights

    Support for a campaign to implement new raise the age policies, and to reduce the transfer of youth to the adult systems in Louisiana. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    Support to monitor and respond to new federal policy threats to youth justice reform. 
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Baltimore, MD // 2017

    Community Law in Action, Inc.

    Support for a campaign to end the automatic prosecution of youth as adults in Maryland. 
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    Support to provide technical assistance on fiscal and budget issues to youth decarceration campaigns, in coordination with Youth First! Initiative. 
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Lawrence, KS // 2017

    Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Inc.

    Support for the ongoing campaign to reform the state's juvenile justice system. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2017

    Campaign for Youth Justice

    General support. 
    Awarded
    $800,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2017

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for the Policy and Advocacy Center to advocate for community alternatives to youth incarceration. 
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Philadelphia, PA // 2017

    Juvenile Law Center

    Support to advance litigation to challenge harmful and ineffective youth justice practices and policies. 
    Awarded
    $630,000
    Term
    36 months
    Program
    Youth Justice