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.

Clean Decisions, led by Will Avila, won a contract for green cleaning and maintenance through the D.C. Department of General Services and now employs more than 17 staff, all of whom are returning citizens.

Read more about Unlocked Futures and find lessons for donors.

Learn more about the Unlocked Futures Fund.