Named in honor of exoneree, Rick Walker, who first called attention to the need for this program, then advised and championed its creation, our financial grants provide exonerated individuals with money for necessities. Rick died in November 2020, after spending years being a calm, reliable presence for anyone being released from prison and struggling afterward.
Exonerated individuals can request a cash grant for essential expenses. For example, if you need to pay for basics, if you need to see a dentist or doctor, if you are having trouble paying rent, or any other necessary situation–you may be eligible for a Pruno Fund grant of up to $1,000 per year.
Eligibility:
* Exonerated individual, a person that has been wrongfully convicted and released from incarceration due to actual innocence
* Have NOT received a compensation award OR received less than $100,000 over 1 year ago
* Have NOT previously received a Pruno Fund grant this year totaling more than $1,000
To apply, you will need:
* Name & contact information, including mailing address, phone number & email address, for the applicant
* Applicant’s social security number
* Information regarding the applicant’s exoneration including innocence project or attorney contact
* It is also helpful to have any supporting documents ready to upload. These let us know what you need the grant for and who to pay. It can include a picture or PDF or a bill, rental agreement, or written estimate of costs from the provider. If the bills are not in your own name, please give an explanation as to why they need to be paid. Also, if the rental agreement or lease is not in your own name, please provide the original along with a separate agreement stating how much you are responsible for within the household.
All grants will be provided directly to the service provider.
To apply, please complete our online application. We will review your application and notify you of our decision within 3 business days* of a complete application. *Please note that some responses may take longer than 3 days. Thank you for your patience.
