Art for Justice Fund

Art for Justice Fund

Overview: An innovative fund launched in 2017 that uses proceeds from artwork sales to address mass incarceration and criminal justice reform in the United States.

Background: Established with a $100 million donation from philanthropist Agnes Gund, the Art for Justice Fund is a partnership between the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The fund was announced at the Museum of Modern Art and has generated significant interest from donors and collectors.

Focus Areas:

Criminal justice reform

Reducing jail and prison populations

Strengthening education and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals

Humanizing people affected by the criminal justice system

Advocacy efforts to reform the criminal justice system

Geographic Scope: United States, with funding programs in several target states

Program Duration: Projected five-year lifespan

Funding Mechanism: Uses artwork sales from donor collections to fund grants

First Grant Round: November 2017 announcement of $22 million awarded to 30 innovative programs, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $7.5 million

Support Provided by RPA:

Operational support throughout the program's lifespan

Fiscal sponsorship

Creation of publications and programs

Key Partners:

Ford Foundation

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Agnes Gund (Founder)

Dorothy Lichtenstein (Supporter - $100,000 contribution)

Contact: RPA offices - New York: (212) 812-4330

Website: See Art for Justice Fund website for more information