The Sentencing Project

What they fund

impactedcampaigneducationcommunityincarceratedpublicstatejustice

Funding pattern

What this funder pays for, at what size, and how to position adjacent work. Read from their filings, with every number checked against the record.

1 grant matching “democracy and civic engagement” · $10,000

• $10,000

  Ole Education Fund · Albuquerque, NM · 2024

  Developing an inclusive democracy curriculum to empower justice-impacted residents and encouraging the civic engagement of formerly incarcerated people

Top recipients

Repeat recipients are the strongest signal of whether a funder has an open door or quietly re-funds the same organizations.

• Ok Appleseed Center for Law & Justice1 grant · $65,000
• Ok Appleseed1 grant · $65,000
• Release Aging People in Prison (Rapp)3 grants · $60,000
• Together Louisiana2 grants · $50,000
• Stand in for Nebraska3 grants · $36,000
• Aclu-Ri3 grants · $35,000
• Criminal Justice Policy Coalition3 grants · $32,000
• New Life Worship Center3 grants · $30,000
• Center for Community Alternatives2 grants · $30,000
• Wyoming Children'S Law Center2 grants · $30,000

Giving over time

Grant history

All 55 reported grants, largest first.

• $65,000

  Ok Appleseed Center for Law & Justice · Lincoln, NE · 2024

  Support general operations, story collection from currently incarcerated persons, the hiring of an organizer to further narrative change and to bring the directly impacted community into the fold

• $65,000

  Ok Appleseed · Lincoln, NE · 2023

  Support general operations, story collection from currently incarcerated persons, the hiring of an organizer to further narrative change and to bring the directly impacted community into the fold

• $25,000

  Together Louisiana · New Orleans, LA · 2022

  This organization is led by impacted persons across la, with ground organizers working across the state. We have funded civic education academies on life without parole and elder parole which will take place in every pa… read allThis organization is led by impacted persons across la, with ground organizers working across the state. We have funded civic education academies on life without parole and elder parole which will take place in every parish, focusing on rural parishes with impacted communities that are often not included in this work. Those parishes also overlap with powerful decision-makers in the la state legislature. The sentencing project participates in weekly planning meetings to help guide campaign strategy and offer our communications for media pressure and narrative change. less
• $25,000

  Together Louisiana · New Orleans, LA · 2022

  This organization is led by impacted persons across la, with ground organizers working across the state. We have funded civic education academies on life without parole and elder parole which will take place in every pa… read allThis organization is led by impacted persons across la, with ground organizers working across the state. We have funded civic education academies on life without parole and elder parole which will take place in every parish, focusing on rural parishes with impacted communities that are often not included in this work. Those parishes also overlap with powerful decision-makers in the la state legislature. The sentencing project participates in weekly planning meetings to help guide campaign strategy and offer our communications for media pressure and narrative change. less
• $20,000

  Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition · Denver, CO · 2024

  Conduct training sessions on jail-based voting and provide training related to civid education for legal-system communities

• $20,000

  Drop Lwop New England · Cambridge, MA · 2024

  Support educational efforts around policy reforms needed to mitigate harsh sentencing for people in new england

• $20,000

  Center for Community Alternatives · Syracuse, NY · 2023

  Support non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign to advance sentencing reform in new york state.

• $20,000

  Chicago Votes · Burr Ridge, IL · 2023

  Community organizing and empowerment to gather data on the number of leaders being developed to advocate for systemic change to institutions, and our ability to give young people leadership roles in our work.

• $20,000

  Release Aging People in Prison (Rapp) · Calabasas, CA · 2023

  Support non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole sentences, with a particular focus on aging persons.

• $20,000

  Youth Law Center · San Francisco, CA · 2023

  Supporting education and training efforts for tn youth justice forum members and supporting youth and system-impacted peoples efforts to educate legislators, agency administrators, members of the public, and others on t… read allSupporting education and training efforts for tn youth justice forum members and supporting youth and system-impacted peoples efforts to educate legislators, agency administrators, members of the public, and others on the impact of trying youth as adults less
• $20,000

  Release Aging People in Prison (Rapp) · Pacific Palisades, CA · 2022

  The grantee shall use the grant funds for the sole purpose of supporting the grantee's non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole senten… read allThe grantee shall use the grant funds for the sole purpose of supporting the grantee's non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole sentences, with a particular focus on aging persons. Specifically, this grant would allow for monthly support stipends for four directly impacted community leaders in syracuse and buffalo. Through outreach and organizing, rapp will recruit candidates, and after a series of training, they will help lead our work by participating in town halls, door-to-door canvassing, press conferences, and other community events. With the support of these four community leaders, rapp will engage in the aforementioned tactics and events as a means of growing our base of directly impacted people and recruiting and training new leaders in our work to end extreme sentences. less
• $20,000

  Release Aging People in Prison (Rapp) · Pacific Palisades, CA · 2022

  The grantee shall use the grant funds for the sole purpose of supporting the grantee's non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole senten… read allThe grantee shall use the grant funds for the sole purpose of supporting the grantee's non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole sentences, with a particular focus on aging persons. Specifically, this grant would allow for monthly support stipends for four directly impacted community leaders in syracuse and buffalo. Through outreach and organizing, rapp will recruit candidates, and after a series of training, they will help lead our work by participating in town halls, door-to-door canvassing, press conferences, and other community events. With the support of these four community leaders, rapp will engage in the aforementioned tactics and events as a means of growing our base of directly impacted people and recruiting and training new leaders in our work to end extreme sentences. less
• $15,000

  Celwop · Hingham, MA · 2024

  Educational efforts around reforms needed to mitigate harsh sentenicng for the people of massachusetts.

• $15,000

  Teamchild · Seattle, WA · 2024

  Organizing of families of incarcerated youth as well as current and formerly incarcerated youth in response to progressively worsening conditions within juvenile rehabilitation facilities

• $15,000

  Aclu-Ri · Providence, RI · 2023

  Organize community efforts to support campaign to end life without parole.

• $15,000

  Together Making a Better Community · Davenport, IA · 2022

  1) launching the change the narrative project to recruit, train, and launch a social media campaign that centers impacted bipoc youth and their stories about being involved in the youth justice system, and what their ho… read all1) launching the change the narrative project to recruit, train, and launch a social media campaign that centers impacted bipoc youth and their stories about being involved in the youth justice system, and what their hopes are for changing the narrative about who they are; 2) create & launch a robust social media campaign to educate the public about the pervasive racial disparities that exist in davenport's youth justice system and call for more effective ways to address youth misbehavior; 3) public education: launch an event that highlights the campaign and stories gathered to educate the public on better investments for youth. less
• $15,000

  Together Making a Better Community · Davenport, IA · 2022

  1) launching the change the narrative project to recruit, train, and launch a social media campaign that centers impacted bipoc youth and their stories about being involved in the youth justice system, and what their ho… read all1) launching the change the narrative project to recruit, train, and launch a social media campaign that centers impacted bipoc youth and their stories about being involved in the youth justice system, and what their hopes are for changing the narrative about who they are; 2) create & launch a robust social media campaign to educate the public about the pervasive racial disparities that exist in davenport's youth justice system and call for more effective ways to address youth misbehavior; 3) public education: launch an event that highlights the campaign and stories gathered to educate the public on better investments for youth. less
• $15,000

  Wyoming Children'S Law Center · Laramie, WY · 2022

  Launching a grassroots campaign to support the efforts of the wyoming youth justice coalition by engaging impacted youth and their families through outreach, public education, training, storytelling and coalition partic… read allLaunching a grassroots campaign to support the efforts of the wyoming youth justice coalition by engaging impacted youth and their families through outreach, public education, training, storytelling and coalition participation. less
• $15,000

  Wyoming Children'S Law Center · Laramie, WY · 2022

  Launching a grassroots campaign to support the efforts of the wyoming youth justice coalition by engaging impacted youth and their families through outreach, public education, training, storytelling and coalition partic… read allLaunching a grassroots campaign to support the efforts of the wyoming youth justice coalition by engaging impacted youth and their families through outreach, public education, training, storytelling and coalition participation. less
• $12,000

  Criminal Justice Policy Coalition · Dennis, MA · 2023

  Support non-partisan activities related to the grantor's campaign to end life without parole in massachusetts.

• $12,000

  Stand in for Nebraska · Lincoln, NE · 2023

  Support non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole sentences for those under age 21, and the need for the creation of earned time for go… read allSupport non-partisan activities related to the grantor's educational campaign on eliminating the use of mandatory life without parole sentences for those under age 21, and the need for the creation of earned time for good behavior. less
• $12,000

  Stand in for Nebraska · Lincoln, NE · 2022

  The campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Engaging the public and other notable stakeholders on various topics to educate on the real i… read allThe campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Engaging the public and other notable stakeholders on various topics to educate on the real impacts and outcomes of criminal justice policy in nebraska, including but not limited to hosting a series of virtual panels on various topics including extreme and life sentences. In-person teach-ins at churches and prisons to further community and in-prison outreach. less
• $12,000

  Stand in for Nebraska · Lincoln, NE · 2022

  The campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Engaging the public and other notable stakeholders on various topics to educate on the real i… read allThe campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Engaging the public and other notable stakeholders on various topics to educate on the real impacts and outcomes of criminal justice policy in nebraska, including but not limited to hosting a series of virtual panels on various topics including extreme and life sentences. In-person teach-ins at churches and prisons to further community and in-prison outreach. less
• $10,000

  Center for Community Alternatives · Syracuse, NY · 2024

  Non-partisan activities related to the grantors educational campaign to advancesentencing reform in new york state.

• $10,000

  Connecticut Justice Alliancesee · Calabasas, CA · 2024

  Provide education to the communities of connecticut regarding the youth and adult legal system, engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated, plan and facilit… read allProvide education to the communities of connecticut regarding the youth and adult legal system, engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated, plan and facilitate community forums, and lead in deciding what the advocacy and policy initiatives are that the connecticut justice alliance pursues. less
• $10,000

  Healing Our Land · Dorchester, MA · 2024

  Supporting meeting organizers to facilitate engagement and leadership of currently incarcerated people

• $10,000

  Initiate Justice · Los Angeles, CA · 2024

  Activating the political power of those directly impacted by incarceration.

• $10,000

  Ole Education Fund · Albuquerque, NM · 2024

  Developing an inclusive democracy curriculum to empower justice-impacted residents and encouraging the civic engagement of formerly incarcerated people

• $10,000

  Pennfranchise Project · Philadelphia, PA · 2024

  Support future jail voting coalitions, builds and maintains relationships with other grassroots organizations.

• $10,000

  Abolitionist Law Center · Pittsburgh, PA · 2023

  Work to formalize the voting process in pennsylvania for incarcerated persons

• $10,000

  Connecticut Justice Alliancesee · Calabasas, CA · 2023

  Provide education to the communities of connecticut regarding the youth and adult legal system, engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated, plan and facilit… read allProvide education to the communities of connecticut regarding the youth and adult legal system, engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated, plan and facilitate community forums, and lead in deciding what the advocacy and policy initiatives are that the connecticut justice alliance pursues. less
• $10,000

  Felony Murder Elimination Project · Concord, CA · 2023

  To fund directly impacted persons to attend the drop lwop conference

• $10,000

  Initiate Justice · Los Angeles, CA · 2023

  Activating the political power of those directly impacted by incarceration.

• $10,000

  New Jersey Institute for Social Justice · Newark, NJ · 2023

  Support non-partisan activities related to the grantor's facilitation of it's reform alliance for civic engagement (race) council comprised of formerly incarcerated individuals.

• $10,000

  New Life Worship Center · Hartford, CT · 2023

  Expand capacity through additional staffing, aid in the full citizen's coalition's hiring and capacity expansion, and organizing and training of impacted persons to run community workshops on civic engagement.

• $10,000

  Ole Education Fund · Albuquerque, NM · 2023

  Civic engagement amongst youth, returning citizens and their communities and develop a popular education curriculum for high school students and people in the re-entry phase of their sentence

• $10,000

  Oregon Justice Resource Center · Portland, OR · 2023

  In person education events, newsletters, and communication to family members of the incarcerated through email and social media to educate oregonians about voting rights

• $10,000

  Progressnowadvancemd · Lansing, MI · 2023

  Supporting grantees non-partisan activities related to the grantors efforts in the maryland youth justice coalition

• $10,000

  Aclu-Ri · Providence, RI · 2022

  This grant, given through the aclu of rhode island, hired a full-time organizer to educate the public and garner partners to end life without parole in rhode island. This effort has brought 75 community partners (direct… read allThis grant, given through the aclu of rhode island, hired a full-time organizer to educate the public and garner partners to end life without parole in rhode island. This effort has brought 75 community partners (directly impacted) and 36 established partner organizations into the process of repealing life without parole. Widespread ignorance of this sentence has allowed it to continue in an interconnected community that is now showing a high level of support for its repeal. It has also brought many nationally and locally known experts to the table who are now publicly commenting on their desire to repeal this sentence. Of the 25 persons serving life without parole in ri, we have connected with at least 1 family member or supporter per incarcerated person, and in some cases, as many as 10, whose stories have been collected and are being shared with the wider community to show the impact of this terrible sentence. less
• $10,000

  Aclu-Ri · Providence, RI · 2022

  This grant, given through the aclu of rhode island, hired a full-time organizer to educate the public and garner partners to end life without parole in rhode island. This effort has brought 75 community partners (direct… read allThis grant, given through the aclu of rhode island, hired a full-time organizer to educate the public and garner partners to end life without parole in rhode island. This effort has brought 75 community partners (directly impacted) and 36 established partner organizations into the process of repealing life without parole. Widespread ignorance of this sentence has allowed it to continue in an interconnected community that is now showing a high level of support for its repeal. It has also brought many nationally and locally known experts to the table who are now publicly commenting on their desire to repeal this sentence. Of the 25 persons serving life without parole in ri, we have connected with at least 1 family member or supporter per incarcerated person, and in some cases, as many as 10, whose stories have been collected and are being shared with the wider community to show the impact of this terrible sentence. less
• $10,000

  Alliance for Families and Justice · New York, NY · 2022

  New york for full restoration of voting rights coalition 1) public education & mobilization; 2) communications and media outreach; and 3) technology, equipment and digital engagement platform.

• $10,000

  Alliance for Families and Justice · New York, NY · 2022

  New york for full restoration of voting rights coalition 1) public education & mobilization; 2) communications and media outreach; and 3) technology, equipment and digital engagement platform.

• $10,000

  Bridge Maryland · Baltimore, MD · 2022

  Expanding capacity through communications and social media support to aid in advancing the advocacy priorities of the coalition's four priority areas. Having someone dedicated to op-ed strategy and social media to eleva… read allExpanding capacity through communications and social media support to aid in advancing the advocacy priorities of the coalition's four priority areas. Having someone dedicated to op-ed strategy and social media to elevate the coalition priorities, would increase the capacity of the organization. less
• $10,000

  Bridge Maryland · Baltimore, MD · 2022

  Expanding capacity through communications and social media support to aid in advancing the advocacy priorities of the coalition's four priority areas. Having someone dedicated to op-ed strategy and social media to eleva… read allExpanding capacity through communications and social media support to aid in advancing the advocacy priorities of the coalition's four priority areas. Having someone dedicated to op-ed strategy and social media to elevate the coalition priorities, would increase the capacity of the organization. less
• $10,000

  Criminal Justice Policy Coalition · Dennis, MA · 2022

  The campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Intensifying community outreach will be utilized and is critical at a moment when public sent… read allThe campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Intensifying community outreach will be utilized and is critical at a moment when public sentiment in massachusetts appears to be growing more favorable to lwop abolition. It will also be used for the preparation of a video that would feature testimony from individuals directly and personally impacted by life without parole sentences. Advertisements on social media platforms are also under discussion as are highway billboards, an approach to boosting public awareness that has been tried in other states. An organizer will also be hired with these funds. less
• $10,000

  Criminal Justice Policy Coalition · Dennis, MA · 2022

  The campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Intensifying community outreach will be utilized and is critical at a moment when public sent… read allThe campaign will generate concrete initiatives to heighten public awareness of the state's reliance on excessive sentencing. Intensifying community outreach will be utilized and is critical at a moment when public sentiment in massachusetts appears to be growing more favorable to lwop abolition. It will also be used for the preparation of a video that would feature testimony from individuals directly and personally impacted by life without parole sentences. Advertisements on social media platforms are also under discussion as are highway billboards, an approach to boosting public awareness that has been tried in other states. An organizer will also be hired with these funds. less
• $10,000

  Iowa Justice Action Network · Cedar Falls, IA · 2022

  Grant funds will be used to contract an lwop coordinator. The coordinator will primarily focus on public education. One area of interest is women who are incarcerated. The coordinator will also be working with the refor… read allGrant funds will be used to contract an lwop coordinator. The coordinator will primarily focus on public education. One area of interest is women who are incarcerated. The coordinator will also be working with the reform alliance and other partners to plan a multi-state conference in the fall of 2022 focused on criminal justice reform with an emphasis on lwop and other forms of extreme sentencing. less
• $10,000

  Iowa Justice Action Network · Cedar Falls, IA · 2022

  Grant funds will be used to contract an lwop coordinator. The coordinator will primarily focus on public education. One area of interest is women who are incarcerated. The coordinator will also be working with the refor… read allGrant funds will be used to contract an lwop coordinator. The coordinator will primarily focus on public education. One area of interest is women who are incarcerated. The coordinator will also be working with the reform alliance and other partners to plan a multi-state conference in the fall of 2022 focused on criminal justice reform with an emphasis on lwop and other forms of extreme sentencing. less
• $10,000

  New Jersey Institute for Social Justice · Newark, NJ · 2022

  Support stipend to race council members all formerly incarcerated for their time attending the biweekly meetings and for organizing and leading voting in prison education efforts. This funding will go toward those stipe… read allSupport stipend to race council members all formerly incarcerated for their time attending the biweekly meetings and for organizing and leading voting in prison education efforts. This funding will go toward those stipends to continue education efforts aimed at increasing civic engagement and participation in the voting franchise. less
• $10,000

  New Jersey Institute for Social Justice · Newark, NJ · 2022

  Support stipend to race council members all formerly incarcerated for their time attending the biweekly meetings and for organizing and leading voting in prison education efforts. This funding will go toward those stipe… read allSupport stipend to race council members all formerly incarcerated for their time attending the biweekly meetings and for organizing and leading voting in prison education efforts. This funding will go toward those stipends to continue education efforts aimed at increasing civic engagement and participation in the voting franchise. less
• $10,000

  New Life Worship Center · Hartford, CT · 2022

  The full citizens coalition population; organizing civic education workshops and outreach trainings at halfway houses; train and hire impacted persons from the halfway house to work on community outreach and education a… read allThe full citizens coalition population; organizing civic education workshops and outreach trainings at halfway houses; train and hire impacted persons from the halfway house to work on community outreach and education around its campaign for universal suffrage in the state; at large community outreach on the issue of felony disenfranchisement, led and fielded by persons on parole/impacted. less
• $10,000

  New Life Worship Center · Hartford, CT · 2022

  The full citizens coalition population; organizing civic education workshops and outreach trainings at halfway houses; train and hire impacted persons from the halfway house to work on community outreach and education a… read allThe full citizens coalition population; organizing civic education workshops and outreach trainings at halfway houses; train and hire impacted persons from the halfway house to work on community outreach and education around its campaign for universal suffrage in the state; at large community outreach on the issue of felony disenfranchisement, led and fielded by persons on parole/impacted. less
• $10,000

  Woods Wyatt Durham Foundation · Chicago, IL · 2022

  Specifically, this grant will be used to print and distribute corrective clemency campaign materials to 1700+ incarcerated members across the state, and thereby help mobilize both incarcerated people and their loved one… read allSpecifically, this grant will be used to print and distribute corrective clemency campaign materials to 1700+ incarcerated members across the state, and thereby help mobilize both incarcerated people and their loved ones to share their stories in support of this campaign. The grant also will be used to hire an organizer for 6 months who can focus on the ccc. The organizer will serve as a contact person for people who are involved in the campaign, including those currently incarcerated. They will maintain the engagement of the outside team members, train them on how to raise awareness about extreme sentencing in their communities, and organize town halls and community events at which directly impacted people can share their stories. less
• $10,000

  Woods Wyatt Durham Foundation · Chicago, IL · 2022

  Specifically, this grant will be used to print and distribute corrective clemency campaign materials to 1700+ incarcerated members across the state, and thereby help mobilize both incarcerated people and their loved one… read allSpecifically, this grant will be used to print and distribute corrective clemency campaign materials to 1700+ incarcerated members across the state, and thereby help mobilize both incarcerated people and their loved ones to share their stories in support of this campaign. The grant also will be used to hire an organizer for 6 months who can focus on the ccc. The organizer will serve as a contact person for people who are involved in the campaign, including those currently incarcerated. They will maintain the engagement of the outside team members, train them on how to raise awareness about extreme sentencing in their communities, and organize town halls and community events at which directly impacted people can share their stories. less
• $8,000

  Texas Civil Rights Project · Austin, TX · 2024

  Provide education to the communities of texas regarding the state of texass youth justice system; engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated; plan and decid… read allProvide education to the communities of texas regarding the state of texass youth justice system; engage community members with an emphasis on those who are formerly or currently detained or incarcerated; plan and decide the advocacy and policy initiatives that the finish the 5 coalition pursues. less

Who else funds this kind of work