The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice is a Newark-based nonprofit founded in 1999 that advances racial and economic justice in New Jersey through research, policy advocacy, litigation, public education and community organizing. The organization pursues systemic reforms to address structural racism and focuses on economic justice, criminal justice reform, reentry, and expanded democratic participation for communities of color.
Criminal justice reform (reducing mass incarceration, juvenile justice, reentry and alternatives to incarceration), economic justice (employment, housing, wealth-building and equitable development), voting rights and democratic participation, police accountability and broader racial equity policies across state law and practice.
Primarily funded by philanthropic foundation grants, individual donors and program/service grants; revenue is derived largely from charitable contributions and grant support.
Founders Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein; President & CEO Ryan P. Haygood; board leaders and senior advisors including Paulette Brown, John J. Farmer Jr., Paul J. Fishman and Christina Swarns; frequent collaborations with civil-rights organizations (e.g., Innocence Project, LatinoJustice PRLDEF), academic partners and New Jersey community groups.
Non-profit (501(c)(3) public charity)
