Dignity and Power Now — Convening to Oppose L.A. Jail Construction

[Criminal Justice Reform] Grant investigator: Chloe Cockburn This page was reviewed but not written by the grant investigator. Dignity and Power Now staff also reviewed this page prior to publication. The Open Philanthropy Project recommended a grant of $132,000 to Dignity and Power Now to support a convening of stakeholders opposed to the construction of two new jails in Los Angeles. According to our Program Officer for Criminal Justice Reform, Chloe Cockburn, the proposed jails have been stalled for several years and there is some indication that an organized campaign could permanently defeat the project. This grant will allow Dignity and Power Now to organize a convening of community coalitions, labor groups, elected officials, and other interested parties to discuss and assess the potential for a larger campaign opposing the jails. Specifically, the funding will cover meeting materials, food and location costs, staff support, and potentially a commissioned report on alternative uses for the city and state funds estimated to be needed for the jail construction projects. This is a discretionary grant.