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.

  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Youth Radio

    Support for YR Media’s National Youth Justice Desk to focus on stories led by the lived experiences of those directly impacted by the youth justice system.
    Awarded
    $300,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to Communities for Just Schools Fund to end the school-to-prison pipeline, advance youth justice, and create healthy and equitable learning environments.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    New Venture Fund

    Support to the Youth First State Advocacy Fund for state-based advocacy campaigns focused on redirecting resources from youth prisons to community-based approaches, rooted in racial equity.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    School Justice Project

    Support for special education legal services and advocacy for court-involved students with disabilities.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Calabasas, CA // 2022

    Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

    Support for RISE for Youth to dismantle the current prison model, create and expand community alternatives to youth incarceration in Virginia.
    Awarded
    $400,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Voices for a Second Chance

    Support for coalition-building expansion to provide comprehensive reentry services, advocacy, and leadership training for justice-involved residents in DC.
    Awarded
    $250,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2022

    Free Minds Book Club

    Support for Thrive Under 25 leadership and advocacy.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Oakland, CA // 2022

    Common Counsel Foundation

    Support for Visionary Freedom Fund to support youth justice reform movements across the country.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • Washington, DC // 2021

    The Sentencing Project

    Support for advocacy work in DC and Michigan.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Justice Reform
  • New Orleans, LA // 2021

    Loyola University New Orleans

    Support to Loyola University's College of Law to continue a data landscape analysis on Louisiana’s criminal justice systems.
    Awarded
    $2,200
    Term
    5 months
    Program
    Justice Reform