A New Chapter: Sunsetting the PNY Justice Reform Working Group
The Philanthropy New York (PNY) Justice Reform Working Group is sunsetting. Over the last two years, the group shifted its focus from funder-to-funder engagement to prioritize community-wide programming, a change that followed leadership transitions, inconsistent member participation, and assurance that all PNY members understand the intersectionality of justice. As we reflect on the working group's history, we want to acknowledge the dedicated members who shaped its legacy and contributed to a pivotal movement.
A History of Collaboration and Impact
The Justice Reform Working Group’s history is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to fostering change. It began in late 2015 and early 2016, when several Philanthropy New York member briefings highlighted the growing interest in justice reform. Funders were eager to explore ways to end mass incarceration, address police-community relations, and strategically deploy philanthropic resources.
This enthusiasm led to Philanthropy New York's 2016 Annual Meeting, "Rethinking American Justice," a half-day conference that received widespread acclaim. Following this successful event, the working group collaborated with other PNY groups to create justice-themed programs, including:
- Intersections of Health and Justice: A discussion on the opioid crisis with the Health Working Group
- End the Sexual-Abuse-to-Prison Pipeline: A collaboration with the Funders of Women and Girls
- School Discipline is Changing. For the Better?: A program with the Education Working Group.
Building on these conversations, the group developed a three-part series titled "Ending the Criminalization of Poverty," which explored issues ranging from housing and immigrant detentionto bail and prosecution systems. The working group also held two key events focused on the effort to close Rikers Island:
- Discuss Closing Rikers with Judge Jonathan Lippmann, Glenn Martin and Justice Reform Funders
- Funders Summit on Justice Reform: The Nation’s Eyes on Rikers
In 2019, the group formed a smaller, invite-only steering committee to develop strategies based on larger discussions. This committee's sub-groups met to work on specific projects, furthering the group's impact.
Looking Ahead
While the working group is coming to an end, Philanthropy New York remains committed to prioritizing conversations and programming that intersect with criminal legal reform and the impacts of the injustice system. We recognize the urgency of the current climate and will continue to be a resource for our members. Please see our justice-related recent events, insights, and sector news below.
We welcome your feedback and inquiries. Please contact Ariane Cruz at acruz@philanthropynewyork.org with any thoughts on how Philanthropy New York can best serve members actively funding criminal legal reform right now.
