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.

  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Southwest Key Programs, Inc.

    Support to the National Alianza for Latino Justice to develop a strategic plan for promoting the fair treatment of Latino youth in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Bridgeport, CT // 2016

    Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership

    Support to the Connecticut Youth Justice Alliance to advocate for a safe, effective and fair juvenile justice system in Connecticut.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    DC Lawyers for Youth

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Oakland, CA // 2016

    W. Haywood Burns Institute

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $500,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2016

    Texas Appleseed

    Support to ensure Texas' school-based law enforcement and juvenile justice policies are safe and unbiased.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Los Angeles, CA // 2016

    Social Impact Fund

    Support for the Justice Policy Network.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2016

    The R Street Institute

    Support for efforts to "raise the age" and limitations on "direct file."
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Covington, KY // 2016

    Children’s Law Center

    Support for Ohio juvenile justice advocacy work.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • New York, NY // 2016

    Correctional Association of New York

    Support to advance juvenile justice reform in the state of New York.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice