Powering leaders across the nation, with a focus on state-based activities
The path toward transformation looks different in California than it does in Mississippi than it does in Utah. We invest in localized strategies, directly impacted leaders, and nonprofits—amplifying their know-how to create stronger advocacy ecosystems from the bottom-up.
Nimbly deploying 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 funding
The majority of real, measurable change in justice reform comes from advancing policy and practice together. Through The Just Trust and The Just Trust for Action, (c)3 and (c)4 funding is available to provide holistic support—moving resources into the hands of advocates, allies, and leaders faster and as needs arise.
An initial commitment of $350M. And that’s just the start.
We know the pathway to progress is often nonlinear. Wins aren’t always apparent or easy to measure. The Hollywood-ending moments, the quieter triumphs, and the lessons in disguise are all progress in our book. We fight for the biggest thing we can—without letting perfect be the enemy of good. Explore our goals and areas of work to see how your advocacy might align with our grantmaking.
Funding priorities that map to the progress we want to see:
Shrink the footprint of the system.
The grounds for stop, arrest, conviction, and incarceration are broad and biased. A smaller criminal justice system means: less criminalization, shorter sentences, and fewer people on supervision for less time.
Further alternatives to address harm.
The way we’ve historically addressed crime and violence has lacked accountability, humanity, and frankly, creativity. Let's expand bold, community-centered models to restore relationships and hold each other accountable when there's been harm.
Uphold human dignity and grace.
Our justice system must be humane. Full stop. From the moment someone comes into contact with the system to well after they come home, people deserve to be embraced as neighbors, colleagues, and citizens. This is especially true for communities who have been most impacted by the cycles of harm our system perpetuates.
Center safety and prevention.
Today’s system is punitive and reactive. It steps in only when something bad happens, and often before giving people a chance to thrive. Communities are defining and demanding what really creates safety and prevents crime in the first place: jobs, housing, health, and education. We support advocates that are working with their communities to find solutions that strengthen the foundations for wellbeing.
Focus of Investments and Funding
Advocacy Infrastructure
Justice reform organizations and their day-to-day operations at the state and national level—with a focus on impacted leaders and state-based activities.
Campaign Moments
Investment in key advocacy moments—from public education to ballot measures—with bounded timeline and goals.
Media & Narrative Projects
News media infrastructure and narrative work that helps elevate justice reform and shifts the way we talk and think about the system.
Justice Alternatives
Community-centered models for justice that prevent crime, repair harm, and strengthen communities.
Partnership & Coordination
Creating inroads and weaving connections between funders, decision makers, and experts to channel resources, expertise, and ultimately maximize impact.
Rapid Response
Critical moment of crisis or opportunity.
State by State: A Campaign to Power Reform Everywhere
Our State by State funding initiative is focused on building up criminal justice reform advocacy infrastructure in all 50 states. Read about our latest funding initiative and state-level grant opportunities.
Open Funding Opportunities
Below are our current open funding opportunities. We have both discrete, time-bound opportunities and a process for accepting inquiries for our ongoing rolling grants. We’d love to hear about your work, so take a look!
Rolling Grant Inquiries
Are you advancing justice reform in your work? Let us know what you’re up to.
This is an open call to all the stubborn optimists who won’t take no for an answer, believe change is possible, and know the ins and outs of making change wherever they live. Tell us about your work, so we can keep you top of mind for future funding opportunities.