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.

Dirk Van Velzen, founder of the Prison Scholar Fund which creates educational opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, was accepted into JustLeadership USA’s 2019 cohort of its “Leading with Conviction” leadership program.

Read more about Unlocked Futures and find lessons for donors.

Learn more about the Unlocked Futures Fund.