Criminal Justice Reform

We’re focused on finding new ways forward by safely reducing incarceration, providing fair chances for those impacted, and lifting up the voices of people closest to the problem. In order to best empower our criminal justice work at a critical juncture for reform, we announced $350 million in new commitments and the transition of this portfolio to an independent organization, the The Just Trust, over the course of 2021. For more information, read our newsroom post.

February 11, 2019 | Toc’Quianna Culver and Nikki Cherry at an event to launch the expansion of The Last Mile, a program that teaches computer coding skills to prepare incarcerated individuals for re-entry, at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Facility for women, in Oklahoma.

Reset the Table for Reform

Criminal justice reform is only possible when everyone — incarcerated people, victims, families, communities, law enforcement, and prosecutors — is invited to the table. We want to help ensure that all voices are heard and reform movement changemakers have the tools and resources needed to succeed.

Transforming Prosecution

Prosecutors’ everyday decisions impact millions of lives. We support organizations, like Fair and Just Prosecution, that bring public accountability and transparency to prosecutorial practices, and also partner with prosecutor offices across the country to help drive data-informed decision-making. Learn more.

Expanding Opportunity

Today, 9 in 10 employers and 4 in 5 landlords use background checks to determine work and housing eligibility. Even small offenses can prevent people from moving forward with their lives. The bipartisan Clean Slate Initiative is advancing policies to clear records for those who stay crime-free. We also partner with groups that help give people impacted by the system more opportunity, including access to education inside and outside prison.

Strengthening the Movement

We can’t make lasting changes without a broad social movement. Our partners on the front lines, like FWD.us, the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM), and Alliance for Safety and Justice, are organizing and advocating to reform the criminal justice system.