Canary Impact is advancing justice reform across the United States through two transformative leadership initiatives: the 10-for-10 Program and the NextWave Leadership Program. Both programs are designed to invest directly in justice-involved leaders who are committed to dismantling systemic inequities in the criminal legal system.

Through catalytic $10,000 financial awards, mentorship, structured leadership development, and access to a powerful national network, Canary Impact supports individuals with lived experience of incarceration to transform their ideas into systemic change.

If you are a justice-involved leader in the United States with an innovative idea for reform, these programs provide a platform, community, and financial support to accelerate your impact.

1. The 10-for-10 Program: Catalyzing Systemic Change Through Lived Experience

Overview of the 10-for-10 Program

The 10-for-10 Program is Canary Impact’s flagship initiative designed to uplift justice-involved leaders of all ages. The program is rooted in the belief that those directly impacted by the criminal legal system possess critical expertise and vision needed to dismantle systemic inequities nationwide.

By providing financial awards, mentorship, strategic support, and a collaborative peer network, the 10-for-10 Program creates pathways for participants to channel lived experience into actionable solutions that transform communities.

The program focuses on long-term systemic change rather than short-term interventions. It is structured as a leadership journey that builds confidence, expands networks, and strengthens reform strategies.

What Sets 10-for-10 Apart?

Betting on Success

Canary Impact invests directly in people with lived experience, recognizing that their leadership is essential to building equitable systems.

A National Platform

Participants become part of a nationwide community of justice reform visionaries working on issues such as:

• LGBTQIA+ advocacy

• Disability rights

• Reentry initiatives

• Sentencing reform

• Decarceration efforts

• Community-based justice solutions

Driving Long-Term Impact

By supporting experimentation and bold ideas, the program fosters ripple effects that extend throughout the United States.

Program Benefits

$10,000 Catalytic Investment

Each selected participant receives a $10,000 financial award to advance their leadership journey and implement transformative initiatives.

Collaborative Network

Participants join a national community of justice-involved leaders committed to reform and shared learning.

Cohort-Based Learning

A supportive peer network encourages collaboration, collective action, and knowledge exchange.

Tailored Leadership Support

Participants receive mentorship and strategic guidance from Canary Impact’s nationally recognized coaches and alumni.

Eligibility Criteria for 10-for-10

Applicants must:

• Have a history of incarceration

• Reside in the United States

• Focus their work within U.S. communities

• Have an innovative idea that leads to systemic change

• Propose work that does not involve lobbying

• Not have previously received the 10-for-10 Prize

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the 10-for-10 Program.

2. NextWave Leadership Program: Empowering Justice-Involved Youth (Ages 18–25)

Overview of the NextWave Leadership Program

The NextWave Leadership Program is Canary Impact’s youth-focused initiative designed for justice-involved leaders aged 18–25.

Recognizing that young people are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, NextWave provides tailored mentorship, financial investment, leadership development, and community support to empower youth as change-makers.

NextWave is structured as a launchpad for emerging leaders to challenge systemic inequities and build long-term advocacy careers.

What Makes NextWave Unique?

Targeted Youth Support

The program addresses challenges specific to young justice-involved individuals, including:

• Reentry barriers

• Generational trauma

• Structural inequities

Investing in People, Not Just Projects

The program prioritizes personal leadership development alongside project implementation.

Catalyzing Systemic Change

By supporting youth leaders, NextWave strengthens the movement toward decarceration and justice reform.

Program Highlights

$10,000 Financial Investment

Each participant receives a $10,000 award to support their leadership development, education, advocacy, or community initiatives.

Comprehensive Leadership Development

Participants engage in structured curriculum covering:

• Advocacy

• Justice reform

• Leadership strategy

• Communication skills

• Resilience and systems change

Cohort Community

Participants join a peer network fostering collaboration and collective action.

Capacity Building for Long-Term Success

Through mentorship and skill development, participants build sustainable leadership pathways.

Eligibility Criteria for NextWave

Applicants must:

• Be 18–25 years old

• Have a history of incarceration

• Reside in the United States

• Focus work within U.S. communities

• Propose work that does not involve lobbying

• Not have previously received the 10-for-10 Prize

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the NextWave Leadership Program.

Program Philosophy: Investing in Lived Expertise

Both programs operate on a shared belief:

People who have experienced incarceration firsthand are uniquely positioned to lead transformative justice reform.

By investing in leaders rather than institutions, Canary Impact builds a movement rooted in lived experience, community accountability, and systemic change.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through the official Canary Impact website under either:

• 10-for-10 Program

• NextWave Leadership Program

Applicants are encouraged to present a clear, innovative idea for systemic change and demonstrate readiness to engage in cohort-based leadership development.

Application deadlines are not specified on the site. Applicants should consult the official Canary Impact website for current timelines.

Discover more Awards on OFY HERE.