Caption: Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, co-founders of Innocence Project (Image: Claire Bangser/Innocence Project).

John,

Today marks 32 years of the Innocence Project: 32 years of restoring freedom, transforming systems, and advancing the movement. And it’s all thanks to committed supporters like you. 

We founded the Innocence Project in 1992 after realizing the power of DNA testing in ending wrongful conviction. Since then, the Innocence Project has grown immensely. And with your help, we can do even more.

Over the last three decades, we’ve been able to help free or exonerate hundreds of wrongfully convicted people, pass transformative state laws and federal reforms, and advance the innocence movement. Here’s a closer look at our work:

Restoring Freedom: We help wrongfully convicted people rebuild their lives post-release with the support of our social work department. In total, we’ve helped free or exonerate more than 250 individuals who altogether have spent more than 3,900 years behind bars.

Transforming Systems: We work alongside policymakers, supporters, and partner organizations to spearhead federal and state-based legislative changes that help to reduce the risk of future wrongful convictions. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 250 transformative state laws and federal reforms.

Advancing the Movement: Together with other innocence organizations, we work to broaden the reach of the innocence movement. Our movement consists of over 1 million supporters — all of whom are on a mission toward criminal justice system reform.

John: Hope is at the very center of our work. It’s what motivates us to fight tirelessly to create meaningful change for individuals and in the legal system. The outpouring of support we've received so far has inspired us to set a goal of 250 new monthly donors, and we’ve almost reached it, John. But we need your help to get us there.

To commemorate today, we’re offering new monthly donors a limited-edition Innocence Project 32nd Anniversary hoodie, which celebrates our legacy and where we want to go. Please, John: Can we count on you to join us? Start your recurring gift today and support innocent people in their fight against wrongful conviction.

Thank you for your commitment,

Barry Scheck
Co-Founder and Special Counsel
Innocence Project

Peter Neufeld
Co-Founder and Special Counsel
Innocence Project