The Just Trust is one of very few philanthropic engines built to move the entire field forward at once by connecting policy change, narrative power, and innovation into a single catalytic force that matches the urgency of this moment. What sets us apart is not only what we do — but how we do it:

‍We blend grantmaking with first-party innovation. We are excellent grantmakers, and know who, when, and where to fund in every state for maximum impact. We also leverage deep relationships with peer donors and foundations to take that even further - coordinating our own pooled funds with other strategic donors to catalyze change at scale. But cutting checks isn’t all we do. We  also build and test solutions the field can’t develop on its own. This blended approach sets The Just Trust apart and makes us well positioned to do whatever the moment requires. 

‍We aggregate and deploy capital strategically. We pool donor dollars, spread risk, and move quickly to fund what’s most strategic and winnable, ensuring every dollar has an outsized impact.

‍We connect unlikely allies. Our bipartisan relationships and credibility across red, blue, and purple states let us build coalitions others cannot, and place resources where they will tip the scale. Beyond politics, we build broad alliances, partnering with faith, business, law enforcement and corrections, crime survivors, and people who have been in the justice system. 

‍We meet people where they are. We reject ideology, elitism, and polarization. Instead, we translate our issue solutions into pragmatic frames that resonate with Americans’ deepest values around safety, prosperity, and family. 

‍We carry the weight for the field. We shoulder the hard, behind-the-scenes work of convening, strategy, comms, and data so advocates and partners can stay focused on winning.

We measure, learn, and adapt. We evaluate all of our investments, tracking key data points across our work. We use that evidence to sharpen strategy and prove that justice reform delivers durable safety, proportionate justice, and prosperity.