$15 million new gift from Lifestyles Magazine exclusive cover subject Laura and John Arnold deepens their philanthropic commitment to criminal justice reform- elevates their giving to over $5 billion to date

Arnold Ventures, the philanthropic organization founded by Laura and John Arnold, has reaffirmed its leadership in evidence-based criminal justice reform by awarding more than $15 million in research grants during the first half of 2025.

The 50 new grants reflect the Arnolds’ long-standing belief that effective, lasting reform requires rigorous research, experimentation, and replication—so that policymakers have the data they need to pursue strategies that work across diverse communities.

Spanning a broad spectrum of issues, the latest round of funding supports innovative research into everything from police recruitment and body-worn cameras to the long-term impacts of juvenile incarceration, substance use treatment, and housing stability.

Many projects take on timely and complex topics such as the role of algorithmic policing, the consequences of marijuana legalization, the use of technology in law enforcement, and the effects of Medicaid access on justice outcomes.

Grants are also fueling studies aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting reentry through interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy, apprenticeship programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and education-to-employment pipelines.

Others explore systemic reforms, including improved public defense, court screening practices, and alternative emergency response models like mobile crisis teams.

“We know that not all promising ideas will pan out,” said Jennifer Doleac, executive vice president of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures, “but this kind of rigorous research helps us identify what truly works—and deserves to be scaled.”

Since launching their foundation in 2008 and joining the Giving Pledge in 2010, the Arnolds have built Arnold Ventures into one of the most impactful philanthropies focused on systems-level change. Their giving spans sectors—education, health, public finance, and infrastructure—but their criminal justice work stands out for its depth, precision, and unwavering reliance on data.

This latest wave of grants is a clear continuation of their strategy: invest in independent, empirically sound research that arms decision-makers with the tools to make smarter, fairer, and more effective policies. In doing so, the Arnolds are not just funding studies—they’re helping reshape the future of justice in America.

Arnold Ventures is led and funded by its founders, Laura and John Arnold, who serve as co-chairs and primary philanthropic drivers behind the organization.

Both are leading American philanthropists who launched the original Laura and John Arnold Foundation in 2008, later restructuring it as Arnold Ventures LLC.

They direct all strategy and major initiatives.