Last Chance for Matching Gift to Innocence Project in 2016

There are only four days left to make a 2016 tax-deductible donation and have your gift matched, doubling your impact. We’re so close to our goal and every dollar counts — will you donate today to support our work in the new year?

This is our biggest matching challenge of the year and every dollar given, up to a total of $155,000, will be doubled to help raise more than $300,000 to free the innocent and reform the criminal justice system in the new year.

While we know this is an ambitious goal for the next four days, we also know that exonerating an innocent person is not easy.  In 2016, the Innocence Project won major victories for justice—seven clients were exonerated, many of whom spent decades in prison before their wrongful convictions were overturned. Some of these clients’ cases were resolved in a few months after they were opened (Keith Harward) while others took more than 10 years to see justice (Anthony Wright). Because many of these cases rely on DNA testing, the Innocence Project spent anywhere from $10,000 to more than $34,000 on testing in these cases.

No matter how long it takes or what the cost, the Innocence Project is committed to seeing each case through, and we count on supporters like you to make this happen. You can read more about their stories here.

While our legal work may end once a person is exonerated, our social work continues. Every exoneration is a joyous event, but exonerees face tremendous practical and emotional challenges. The Innocence Project’s two social workers assist our clients and their families to plan for their release and coordinate the transition to life after a wrongful incarceration.

One-third of all exonerees are incarcerated between the ages of 14 and 22, and the interruption to their development and their educational and professional pursuits complicates the enormous challenge they face. Our clients often leave prison with no financial compensation from the state and without any work experience to draw upon. The Innocence Project provides financial assistance for vital expenses such as clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, education and healthcare, to help them get back on their feet.  Some have strong, supportive families, but others have lost ties with their loved ones as a result of their wrongful conviction.

Let’s work together to bring more innocent people home. Please take advantage of this generous match and make your 100% tax-deductible gift today.

With thanks and appreciation,
Audrey Levitin
Director of Development and External Affairs

P.S. Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Donate today and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar! If you’ve already made your year-end gift, please know how much we appreciate your support.