10-for-10 Grant Program

The 10-for-10 Program is a national initiative administered by Canary Impact, a mission-driven organization focused on advancing equity and reform within the criminal legal system. The program is designed to support individuals who have direct lived experience with incarceration and who are committed to developing innovative ideas that address systemic injustices. By investing in justice-involved leaders, Canary Impact aims to elevate perspectives that are often excluded from traditional funding systems and empower participants to lead transformative change across communities in the United States. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial support, mentorship, and a collaborative environment for individuals proposing original solutions to challenges within the criminal legal system. These challenges may include issues such as reentry, sentencing reform, disability rights, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and broader systemic inequities. The program emphasizes innovation and encourages applicants to propose undeveloped ideas that have the potential to create meaningful and lasting systemic impact. Rather than funding existing organizational projects, the program is specifically focused on new concepts that can be shaped and refined through the support provided. Each selected participant receives a $10,000 award distributed in three installments based on agreed-upon milestones and activities. In addition to the financial award, participants gain access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and a national network of peers and advisors. The program fosters a cohort-based experience, encouraging collaboration, shared learning, and accountability among participants. Participants are expected to commit time and effort to developing their projects, including attending required meetings, trainings, and an in-person gathering, as well as completing progress reports and surveys. Eligibility for the program is limited to individuals who have experienced incarceration or involvement with the criminal legal system. Applicants must reside in the United States, propose an original idea aimed at systemic change, and ensure that their proposed work does not involve lobbying activities. Individuals who have previously received funding from Canary Impact are not eligible to apply. The program prioritizes applicants who have not yet received significant recognition or awards in the field, with the goal of expanding opportunities to emerging leaders. The application process involves an initial submission followed by a multi-stage selection process. Applicants are encouraged to attend informational webinars to better understand the program and application expectations, although participation is not mandatory. After the initial application phase, selected candidates may be invited to participate in further evaluation rounds, including conversations and a second application stage. Final selections are made based on criteria such as originality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed idea, as well as the applicant’s ability to articulate a vision for implementation. The program operates on a defined annual timeline, with the first application period opening in late February and closing in early May. Subsequent stages, including interviews and second-round applications, occur throughout May and early June, with final award notifications issued in June. Selected participants are required to complete onboarding documentation shortly after notification, and the program officially begins in early July. While the program appears to follow an annual cycle, applicants should verify future timelines through official communications. Through its combination of financial support, mentorship, and community-building, the 10-for-10 Program seeks to cultivate a network of justice-involved leaders who are equipped to drive systemic change. By centering lived experience and supporting innovative ideas, the program contributes to broader efforts aimed at advancing equity, inclusion, and reform within the criminal legal system.

Focus on originality clarity and feasibility of your idea Have a peer review your responses before submission Clearly articulate how your idea leads to systemic change