In 2017, New Profit, John Legend’s FREEAMERICA, and Bank of America teamed up to take on this challenge and launch Unlocked Futures, an accelerator program with two key areas of focus: Backing entrepreneurs who have direct experience with the criminal justice system and changing the public mindset about renewal and the constructive role people who are formerly incarcerated can play in society. In its first year, Unlocked Futures has supported eight early-stage entrepreneurs with unrestricted funding and strategic support.

Amanda Alexander opened the doors to the Detroit Justice Center in April, which has served more than 150 clients to date through its Legal Services Practice and Economic Equity Practice, and launched Michigan’s first large-scale revolving bail fund in partnership with The Bail Project.

Read more about Unlocked Futures and find lessons for donors.

Learn more about the Unlocked Futures Fund.