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.

Marcus Bullock of Flikshop launched the Flikshop Angels program, which allows the public to purchase gift cards for children to send pictures to their incarcerated parents, and has connected 14,000 incarcerated people to their communities.

Read more about Unlocked Futures and find lessons for donors.

Learn more about the Unlocked Futures Fund.