The Soros Justice Fellowships fund outstanding individuals to undertake projects that advance reform, spur debate, and catalyze change on a range of issues facing the U.S. criminal justice system. The fellowships are part of a larger effort within the Open Society Foundations to reduce the destructive impact of current criminal justice policies on the lives of individuals, families, and communities in the United States by challenging the overreliance on incarceration and extreme punishment, and ensuring a fair and accountable system of justice. Awards are granted in the categories of advocacy (for lawyers, researchers, organizers, etc.), media (for writers, print and broadcast journalists, artists, filmmakers, etc.), and youth activism (for projects including public education, social media, organizing, etc.). We strongly encourage applications for projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the intersection of criminal justice issues with the particular needs of low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people, women and children, and those otherwise disproportionately affected by harsh criminal justice policies, as well as applications for projects that cut across various criminal justice fields and related sectors, such as education, health and mental health, housing, and employment. Projects should focus on issues within the United States.
Awards website:
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/soros-justice-fellowships
Eligibility:
Awards are given for projects, rather than degree study. Criteria vary according to award category. We especially welcome applications from individuals directly affected by, or with significant direct personal experience with, the policies, practices, and systems their projects seek to address (e.g., applicants who have themselves been incarcerated, applicants who have a family member or loved one who has been incarcerated and whose fellowship project emerges from that experience, or applicants who are survivors of violence or crime).
Typical Deadline:
Varies depending on fellowship. Please check the website.