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.

  • Columbia, MS // 2022

    New Life Fellowship Ministries Inc

    Support for Clergy for Prison Reform to organize faith communities for youth justice reform in Mississippi
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects

    Support for the Black Girl Justice Project.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Market, TN // 2022

    Highlander Research and Education Center

    Support for the People’s Advocacy Institute (PAI).
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Piedmont, OK // 2022

    R.I.S.E.

    Support to build out R.I.S.E.'s Diversion School in Oklahoma City
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary
  • Columbia, MD // 2022

    BreakFree Education

    Support for the BreakFree IRAA Fellowship
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Special Opportunities
  • New York, NY // 2022

    Columbia University

    Support for the Justice Lab to design a community-centered approach to youth justice reform.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • San Francisco, CA // 2022

    Tides Center

    Support to Zealous for a coordinated platform for public defender led media and policy advocacy campaigns.
    Awarded
    $120,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Jackson, MS // 2022

    Mississippi Center for Justice

    Support co-develop the Hinds County Diversion/Alternative-to-Incarceration Program in partnership with the People’s Advocacy Institute.
    Awarded
    $125,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Athens, GA // 2022

    University of Georgia Foundation

    Support for a 2022 update to the data landscape report on Georgia’s adult and youth justice systems.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2022

    Ubuntu Village Nola

    General Support
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform