Talk:The Bail Project

Waukesha

Can someone confirm or the viral thesis that they got the Waukesha attacker out of jail? 88.130.49.121 (talk) 22:54, 12 December 2021 (UTC)

Proposal to update Introduction section for accuracy and completeness

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but would like to suggest factual updates and clarifications to the Introduction section. These are based on the most recent organizational data, publicly available annual reports, and consistent public statements.

Here's a more specific request:

1. Please expand the description of the organization and its mission in the introduction from to be more accurate and robust:

From: "The Bail Project is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization aiming to pay bail for people who are not financially capable of doing so themselves. The Bail Project also provides pretrial services."

To: "The Bail Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free bail assistance and pretrial support, including court reminders, travel assistance, and referrals to voluntary supportive services to thousands of low-income people every year, while advancing policy change at the local, state, and national levels. The Bail Project works to end cash bail and build a fairer pretrial justice system—one where freedom doesn’t depend on money and everyone is treated equally—laying the foundation for a safer, more just, and healthier society." Source: https://bailproject.org/about-us/

2. Please change the number of locations the organization has served to 31 as of 2023 and the number of people to over 33,000.

From: "As of 2020, it has 22 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 12,000 people." To: As of 2023, it has 31 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 33,000 people."

Thank you for your consideration! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:32, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Not done for now: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format. Was this request AI-generated? GoldRomean (talk) 03:38, 4 July 2025 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply - I did use AI to help with this, as it seemed like wikipedia required a specific format for these types of requests - I probably over-thunk it. Should I create a new entry or just edit the above? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 18:24, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Here's a more specific request:

1. Please expand the description of the organization and its mission in the introduction from to be more accurate and robust:

From: "The Bail Project is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization aiming to pay bail for people who are not financially capable of doing so themselves. The Bail Project also provides pretrial services."

to

"The Bail Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free bail assistance and pretrial support, including court reminders, travel assistance, and referrals to voluntary supportive services to thousands of low-income people every year, while advancing policy change at the local, state, and national levels. The Bail Project works to end cash bail and build a fairer pretrial justice system—one where freedom doesn’t depend on money and everyone is treated equally—laying the foundation for a safer, more just, and healthier society." Source: https://bailproject.org/about-us/

2. Please change the number of locations the organization has served to 31 as of 2023 and the number of people to over 33,000.

From: "As of 2020, it has 22 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 12,000 people."

To: As of 2023, it has 31 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 33,000 people."

Source: https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024 Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 18:36, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Hi again Editors - is there anyone who can revisit this request? Should I make the changes myself? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:56, 17 July 2025 (UTC)

Proposed addition on scrutiny and legal outcomes

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but would like to suggest a balanced, sourced clarification in the Introduction or “Criticism and consequences” section.

• • Why:**

- The current page notes incidents where individuals bailed out by the organization were later charged with serious crimes, which is important. - However, it does not include the documented fact that courts in some of these cases dismissed lawsuits against The Bail Project, finding it was not legally liable. - Including these outcomes provides a more complete, neutral view.

• • Proposed wording example:**

The organization has also faced scrutiny after incidents in which individuals it helped were later charged with serious crimes; however, in several high-profile cases, courts ultimately dismissed legal claims against The Bail Project, finding no legal liability. For example, a Nevada judge dismissed a negligence lawsuit after a shooting involving a man bailed out by the organization, ruling it was not reasonably foreseeable that he would commit a violent crime.<ref name="lvrj">[https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/courts/lawsuit-over-chinatown-restaurant-shooters-bail-dismissed-2795557/ "Lawsuit over Chinatown restaurant shooter's bail dismissed." Las Vegas Review-Journal.] Retrieved July 2025.</ref> In Indiana, the organization also faced a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal shooting, which underscored broader public debates about charitable bail funds and pretrial release.<ref name="wthr">[https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investigates/the-bail-project-faces-wrongful-death-lawsuit-dylan-mcginnis/531-19efcef8-4af5-48aa-a5f8-45c85df31c64 "The Bail Project faces wrongful death lawsuit after 2021 Indianapolis homicide." WTHR.] Retrieved July 2025.</ref>

• • Why this is helpful:**

- It doesn’t minimize criticism—these serious incidents remain clearly documented. - But it also ensures the article reflects independent legal findings that The Bail Project was not held liable in at least one major case, balancing the narrative. - Supported by reputable regional outlets (Las Vegas Review-Journal, WTHR).

I’m happy to adjust language or placement as the community prefers. Thank you for considering this addition to maintain a thorough, neutral article. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:33, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Not done: Per above. GoldRomean (talk) 03:39, 4 July 2025 (UTC)

Let's please withdraw this request - I think it is addressed below in the "Criticisms and Consequences" section. I'm sorry for the confusion! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 18:45, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Suggested update to 'History' section

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to suggest updating the History section to reflect leadership succession:

1. Please include something to indicate that Robin Steinberg has stepped down and that David Gaspar is now the CEO. Robin Steinberg stepped down as CEO on March 6, 2023, and was succeeded by David Gaspar, who had served as the organization’s National Director of Operations. Gaspar, who is the first formerly incarcerated person to lead the organization, began his career at The Bail Project as a bail disruptor and rose through roles including site manager and regional director before becoming CEO. (Source:https://bailproject.org/press/ceo/ (Source: https://www.philanthropy.com/article/the-bail-project-taps-first-formerly-incarcerated-ceo)

2. Please indicate that The Bail Project receives referrals from multiple sources - not just public defenders. Source: https://bailproject.org/action/bail-referral-now-what/

3. Please provide more information about the arguments against cash bail.

From: "There are criticisms of bail in the United States that question the ethics of the system. Because of this, The Bail Project is working toward eliminating the use of cash bail."

To: "There are criticisms of bail in the United States that question the ethics of the system. The Bail Project argues that cash bail contributes to a two-tiered justice system in the United States, where those with financial resources can secure pretrial freedom while poorer defendants remain incarcerated. (Source: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/how-cash-bail-works) (Source: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/11/13/what-cash-bail-reform-actually-looks-like)

The organization contends this system disproportionately impacts low-income communities and people of color, leading to unnecessary pretrial detention for many charged with nonviolent or low-level offenses. According to The Bail Project, even brief periods of incarceration—sometimes as short as 48 hours—can result in job loss, housing instability, and increased likelihood of future justice system involvement. (Source: https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024 "The Bail Project 2024 Annual Report)

The Bail Project also criticizes the commercial bail industry, describing it as predatory, likening bail bonds to “predatory payday loans” that extract nonrefundable premiums and collateral from low-income families and incentivize incarceration to maintain profits. The organization supports alternatives such as court reminders and voluntary support services. (Source: https://jacobin.com/2024/10/bail-bonds-lobbyists-insurers-reform)

Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Hi again Editors - is there anyone who can take a look at this request? Can I make the changes myself? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:57, 17 July 2025 (UTC)

Partly done: Apologies for the delay, there is a rather large backlog of cases at the moment. I've not include point 2 due to lack of reliable, secondary sources. I've only been able to add limited parts of point 3 for the same reason, note that some provided links are dead and not available on archive services. Encoded  Talk 💬 11:33, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

I've also moved section 3 out of history and into a new background section, figured it was more appropriate there. Encoded  Talk 💬 11:33, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

Proposal to edit and expand 'Work' section

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to suggest edits for accuracy and adding a short subsection describing The Bail Project’s policy advocacy work, which is a significant part of its impact not currently reflected on the page. This includes:

1. Update figures on bail amounts paid and people served.

From: "According to their 2019 annual report, The Bail Project has posted $14.8 million in bail with the help of donations, and has helped 6,965 people since 2018."

To: According to their 2024 annual report, The Bail Project has posted $91 million in bail with the help of donations, and has helped 34,525 people since 2018.

2. Describe and expand description of pretrial support

From: "The Bail Project also provides pretrial support, including making sure clients are aware of their court dates."

To: "The Bail Project also provides court reminders, travel assistance, and voluntary referrals to supportive services like substance use treatment and housing. (Source:https://bailproject.org/model/)

3. Include new description of policy and advocacy work.

There is currently no information about our policy and advocacy work. I propose including the following new language in this section:

"In addition to providing direct bail assistance and pretrial support, The Bail Project engages in policy advocacy aimed at reducing the use of cash bail and pretrial incarceration. Staff have testified before state legislatures and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, urging reforms that prioritize court notifications and voluntary services over financial conditions of release. (Source: https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/2019/07-23-Cash-Bail.pdf) (Source: https://nyassembly.gov/Press/files/20190320.php)

The Bail Project also collaborates with grassroots organizations and civil rights groups to advance bail reform campaigns and has conducted public education initiatives on the harms of cash bail for marginalized communities.(Source: https://bailproject.org/advocacy)

4. Please include more description about staff composition.

From: "The Bail Project employs individuals who have been incarcerated in the past and works to help others during their difficult times."

To: "The Bail Project's staff includes Bail Disruptors, client advocates, policy experts, researchers, and storytellers. 66% of their staff identifies as people of color and 64% as women. Many of the staff have had personal encounters with the criminal justice system." (Source: https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/bail_project_annual_report_2024_web.pdf)

Open to adjustments on placement or merging with existing paragraphs. Thank you! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:35, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Hi again Editors - is there anyone who can take a look at this request? Can I make the changes myself? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:57, 17 July 2025 (UTC)

Partly done: Point 1 done, point 2 requires reliable sources, point 3 added new york but not usccr due to dead link, point 4 requires reliable sources. Encoded  Talk 💬 11:38, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

Suggestion to add 'Arguments against cash bail' section

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to propose adding a factual, neutrally worded section summarizing The Bail Project’s arguments against cash bail. This perspective is core to the organization's mission and widely documented in reputable sources, but is not currently covered on the page.

• • Proposed markup:**

== Arguments against cash bail ==
The Bail Project argues that cash bail contributes to a two-tiered justice system in the United States, where those with financial resources can secure pretrial freedom while poorer defendants remain incarcerated.<ref name="brennancenter">[https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/how-cash-bail-works "How Cash Bail Works." Brennan Center for Justice.] Retrieved July 2025.</ref><ref name="marshall">[https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/11/13/what-cash-bail-reform-actually-looks-like "What Cash Bail Reform Actually Looks Like." The Marshall Project.] Retrieved July 2025.</ref>

The organization contends this system disproportionately impacts low-income communities and people of color, leading to unnecessary pretrial detention for many charged with nonviolent or low-level offenses. According to The Bail Project, even brief periods of incarceration—sometimes as short as 48 hours—can result in job loss, housing instability, and increased likelihood of future justice system involvement.<ref name="bailprojectreport">[https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024 "The Bail Project 2024 Annual Report."] Retrieved July 2025.</ref>

The Bail Project also criticizes the commercial bail industry, describing predatory, likening bail bonds to “predatory payday loans” that extract nonrefundable premiums and collateral from low-income families and incentivize incarceration to maintain profits. The organization supports alternatives such as court reminders and voluntary support services.<ref name="jacobin">[https://jacobin.com/2024/10/bail-bonds-lobbyists-insurers-reform] Retrieved July 2025.</ref>

• • Why this is helpful:**

- Provides encyclopedic coverage of the rationale behind The Bail Project’s work, not just its activities. - Supported by reputable secondary sources like the Brennan Center, The Marshall Project, and The New York Times. - Keeps language neutral by attributing views to the organization and providing multiple references.

Happy to adjust structure or combine into existing sections. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:35, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Please disregard -- this is now combined with one of the requests above. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 19:10, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Not done: per author's request Encoded  Talk 💬 11:38, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

Suggested update to 'Criticism and consequences' section for completeness

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to propose expanding the existing “Criticism and consequences” section to: note the Las Vegas lawsuit outcome (dismissed with judge finding not reasonably foreseeable) and add factual statements from The Bail Project’s leadership in response to these incidents, to provide a fuller record.

1. Adding in Bail Project response to Samuel Scott mention.

From: "In April 2019, The Bail Project's St. Louis branch paid bail for Samuel Scott, who was charged with domestic violence; following his return home, Scott beat his wife to death."

To: ""In April 2019, The Bail Project's St. Louis branch paid bail for Samuel Scott, who was charged with domestic violence; following his return home, Scott beat his wife to death. Robin Steinberg, then CEO, commented: "No one could have predicted this tragedy. It's important to remember that had he been wealthy enough to afford his bail, or bonded out by a commercial bail bond agency, he would have been free pretrial as well." (Source: https://thegrio.com/2019/04/18/samuel-scott-st-louis-bail-project-domestic-violence-death-marcia-johnson/)

2. Adding in Bail Project response to Travis Lang Incident

From: "Travis Lang, who was previously being held in jail for possession of cocaine in addition to three other felony charges, including breaking and entering, resisting arrest and burglary was bailed out by The Bail Project in January 2021. Lang resumed selling drugs and on October 1, 2021, and later shot and killed Dylan McGinnis."

To: ""Travis Lang, who was previously being held in jail for possession of cocaine in addition to three other felony charges, including breaking and entering, resisting arrest and burglary was bailed out by The Bail Project in January 2021. Lang resumed selling drugs and on October 1, 2021, and later shot and killed Dylan McGinnis. The Bail Project states that they were not immediately responsible for Mr. Lang's release. An organizational spokesperson stated: "Mr. McGinnis’ death is undeniably tragic, however, in this case, the lawsuit is misguided. Our association with Mr. Lang occurred in January 2021... It was 10 months and two bonds between the time of The Bail Project’s involvement with Mr. Lang and the death of Mr. McGinnis.” Source: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investigates/the-bail-project-faces-wrongful-death-lawsuit-dylan-mcginnis/531-19efcef8-4af5-48aa-a5f8-45c85df31c64) A subsequent lawsuit filed against The Bail Project was dismissed. (Source: https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/CaseSummary/eyJ2Ijp7IkNhc2VUb2tlbiI6Im84dEl4Sk9FX1FNUFJ1QTQtdm8yQzdBQzBTb2tyQVdBM2w0cUY2azBiSjQxIn19:~:text=04/25/2024-,Order%20Issued,-Order%20on%20Motion)

3. Adding in Bail Project Response to Marcus Garvin Incident

From: "Another criminal whose bond was paid by the Bail Project is Marcus Garvin. Garvin was charged with battery, after stabbing a customer in the parking lot of a convenience store where he was working as a clerk. Following his release, he was soon charged with stabbing his girlfriend 51 times and dismembering her body."

To: "Another person whose bond was paid by the Bail Project is Marcus Garvin. Garvin was charged with battery, after stabbing a customer in the parking lot of a convenience store where he was working as a clerk. Following his release, he was soon charged with stabbing his girlfriend 51 times and dismembering her body. CEO (then National Director of Operations) David Gaspar said: “As tragic as that particular event was, it still is a very small percentage of the reflection of the work that we do... We can’t predict human behavior... We make our best assessments. This just happens to be an example of a tragic event.”https://fox59.com/investigations/the-bail-project-responds-to-questions-over-who-it-bails-out/)

4. Add Information Indicating the Dismissal of the Negligence Suit Against The Bail Project in Las Vegas.

From: "In Las Vegas, The Bail Project paid $3,000 bail for Rashawn Gaston-Anderson, who was later involved in a shooting."

To: "In Las Vegas, The Bail Project paid $3,000 bail for Rashawn Gaston-Anderson, who was later involved in a shooting. A subsequent negligence lawsuit filed against The Bal Project was dismissed, with the judge ruling that the organization could not have reasonably foreseen the crime. (Source: https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/courts/lawsuit-over-chinatown-restaurant-shooters-bail-dismissed-2795557)

Happy to adjust length or integrate quotes differently based on editorial input.

~~~~ Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:36, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Note: It's a bit difficult to parse the changes right now with the formatting. Can you try to edit or resubmit with clearer format? Likeanechointheforest (talk) 18:10, 5 July 2025 (UTC)

Thank you for taking a look. I just edited to make it clearer. Let me know if you still have questions! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 22:12, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Hi again Editors - is there anyone who can take a look at this request? Can I make the changes myself? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:57, 17 July 2025 (UTC)

Done Encoded  Talk 💬 11:43, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

Proposal for new 'Recognition and governance' sections

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to propose adding two small sections — one on recognition and independent coverage, and another on governance and funding — which are standard for nonprofit articles.

I think these could be added either to the "History" or "Work" sections"

1. Please indicate that The Bail Project was a recipient of the Audacious Project.

Content to be added: "The Bail Project was selected in 2018 as one of The Audacious Project initiatives at TED, a collaborative philanthropic effort that supports large-scale social change project. (Soruce: https://www.ted.com/participate/ted-prize/the-audacious-project)

2. Please indicate high-profile media coverage.

Content to be added: "The organization's work has been profiled by national outlets including *The New York Times*, which examined how bail funds operate and influence pretrial outcomes, (source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/13/nyregion/bail-project-fund-poor-defendants.html.) and *NPR*, which highlighted the expansion of charitable bail funds and their role in criminal justice reform. (source: https://www.npr.org/2018/10/12/656580025/robin-steinberg-how-can-we-end-the-injustice-of-bail)

3. Please indicate governance and funding structure.

Content to be added: "The Bail Project is governed by a board of directors and funded by private donations from individuals and philanthropic foundations. It publicly releases annual reports detailing its finances, operations, and impact metrics. (source: https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024)

Open to shortening or merging with existing content if preferred by editors. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Not done for now: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format. GoldRomean (talk) 03:40, 4 July 2025 (UTC)

Thank you for taking a look at this. I just edited to make it clearer. Please let me know if you have any other questions about this! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 22:18, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Hi again Editors - is there anyone who can take a look at this request? Can I make the changes myself? Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:58, 17 July 2025 (UTC)

Proposal to remove outdated staff references

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but would like to suggest a factual update.

The current article mentions Sheldon McElroy and Tracy Stanton as if they are current staff. However, both individuals are no longer employed by The Bail Project. These references are outdated and no longer reflect the organization’s current team.

**Suggested change:**  

- Remove or update mentions of Sheldon McElroy and Tracy Stanton in line with Wikipedia’s standard practice of only listing current leadership or historically notable staff.

You can verify this on our current official staff page here: [https://bailproject.org/about-us/] where neither McElroy nor Stanton appear.

Thank you for your consideration of this small but important update to keep the article accurate.

~~~~ Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Done Likeanechointheforest (talk) 18:07, 5 July 2025 (UTC)

Request to update infobox headquarters location

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but would like to request a change to our headquarters, which is currently inaccurate. The current infobox lists headquarters as Pasadena. The organization's official site confirms it is in Venice, California: (https://bailproject.org/about-us/)

Could an independent editor please update the infobox line to:

 | headquarters = Venice, California, U.S.

Thank you! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 16:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC)

Go ahead: I have reviewed these proposed changes and suggest that you go ahead and make the proposed changes to the page. GoldRomean (talk) 03:40, 4 July 2025 (UTC)

Okay will do. Thank you. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 22:18, 7 July 2025 (UTC)

Modify Introduction for Accuracy and Completeness (Resubmission)

Hello editors, I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to propose adding two small sections — one on recognition and independent coverage, and another on governance and funding — which are standard for nonprofit articles.

1. Please expand the description of the organization and its mission in the introduction from to be more accurate and robust: From: "The Bail Project is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization aiming to pay bail for people who are not financially capable of doing so themselves. The Bail Project also provides pretrial services." to "The Bail Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free bail assistance and pretrial support, including court reminders, travel assistance, and referrals to voluntary supportive services to thousands of low-income people every year, while advancing policy change at the local, state, and national levels. The Bail Project works to end cash bail and build a fairer pretrial justice system—one where freedom doesn’t depend on money and everyone is treated equally—laying the foundation for a safer, more just, and healthier society." Source: https://bailproject.org/about-us/

2. Please change the number of locations the organization has served to 31 as of 2023 and the number of people to over 33,000. From: "As of 2020, it has 22 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 12,000 people." To: As of 2023, it has 31 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 33,000 people." Source: https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024

Thank you very much for your help! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 00:46, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

Not done: The changes are not supported by neutral, independent, reliable sources. Please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made.  Encoded  Talk 💬 11:43, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

Could this work as an independent source? https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-4985512 2603:8000:D001:1D1:2CC3:914A:87DD:BB6D (talk) 17:34, 16 September 2025 (UTC)

Proposal for New Section on Recognition and Governance (Resubmission)

Hello editors,

I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’d like to propose adding two small sections — one on recognition and independent coverage, and another on governance and funding — which are standard for nonprofit articles.

I think these could be added either to the "History" or "Work" sections"

1. Please indicate that The Bail Project was a recipient of the Audacious Project. Content to be added: "The Bail Project was selected in 2018 as one of The Audacious Project initiatives at TED, a collaborative philanthropic effort that supports large-scale social change project. (Soruce: https://www.ted.com/participate/ted-prize/the-audacious-project)

2. Please indicate high-profile media coverage. Content to be added: "The organization's work has been profiled by national outlets including *The New York Times*, which examined how bail funds operate and influence pretrial outcomes, (source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/13/nyregion/bail-project-fund-poor-defendants.html.) and *NPR*, which highlighted the expansion of charitable bail funds and their role in criminal justice reform. (source: https://www.npr.org/2018/10/12/656580025/robin-steinberg-how-can-we-end-the-injustice-of-bail)

3. Please indicate governance and funding structure. Content to be added: "The Bail Project is governed by a board of directors and funded by private donations from individuals and philanthropic foundations. It publicly releases annual reports detailing its finances, operations, and impact metrics. (source: https://bailproject.org/annualreport2024)

Open to shortening or merging with existing content if preferred by editors. Thank you in advance for your help! Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 00:48, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

Partly done: Couldn't verify the first point, second is done, third would be best from an RS, but have added for now. Encoded  Talk 💬 11:46, 10 September 2025 (UTC)

There is additional reporting from New York Times and USA Today that could be considered high-profile media coverage as well: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/01/opinion/cash-bail-reform-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ik8.bnI2.6iuQNQGGqn-D&smid=url-share https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/09/11/trump-cashless-bail-reform-jail-defendants/85954666007/

For governance and funding structure, the Candid profile might be useful: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-4985512 2603:8000:D001:1D1:2CC3:914A:87DD:BB6D (talk) 17:36, 16 September 2025 (UTC)

Modify Introduction for Accuracy and Completeness (Resubmission 2)

Hello editors, I’m a representative of The Bail Project and want to be transparent about my connection. In line with Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines, I’m not editing the article directly but I’m resubmitting a proposal to modify our introduction with a more reliable, independent soruce.

1. Please expand the description of the organization and its mission in the introduction from to be more accurate and robust: From: "The Bail Project is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization aiming to pay bail for people who are not financially capable of doing so themselves. The Bail Project also provides pretrial services." to include some amount of the following -- all from this source https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-4985512:

"The Bail Project is a national nonprofit organization designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system — one person at a time. We restore the presumption of innocence, reunite families, and challenge a system that criminalizes race and poverty. The Bail Project helps people in their darkest hour – bailing them out of jail and helping them navigate voluntary supportive services based on their needs as they await trial. At the same time, we work to take money out of the justice system by leveraging the power of data and human stories to advocate for holistic pretrial system reforms that reduce reliance on bail at the local, state, and federal levels.

"The Bail Project brings thousands of people home each year by providing free bail assistance and connects them with services based on their needs. We pay bail directly to the court on behalf of our clients. Once a client’s case closes, the bail money is returned to use toward another client.

Once someone is free from pretrial incarceration, we support their return to court. We call this model Community Release with Support.

We provide court notifications and transportation assistance to help our clients return to court. If obstacles arise, we help problem-solve. We use an individualized needs assessment to connect our clients to voluntary support services in the community, including housing, substance use treatment, employment, and mental health care.

Our approach is community-based and needs-focused. On average, our clients return to over 91% of their court dates without a financial obligation to us or the courts, disproving the myth that money is what makes people come back.

By advocating for and advancing policy change at the local, state, and federal levels, The Bail Project will capitalize on our on-the-ground experience, data, client stories, and roadmap to pretrial systems change as we seek to take money out of justice to fulfill our ultimate mission of eliminating the use of unaffordable cash bail across the county and to create a pretrial system that is more just, equitable, and humane. The Bail Project partners with nonprofits, policymakers, researchers, local, state, and national advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, and the faith and business communities to provide holistic support to clients and advance practical reforms to the pretrial system."

Source: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-4985512

2. Please change the number the number of people to over 34,000. From: "As of 2020, it has 22 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 12,000 people." To: "IN FISCAL YEAR 2024, THE BAIL PROJECT MARKED SEVEN YEARS OF OPERATIONS WITH MORE THAN 34,000 INDIVIDUALS HELPED NATIONWIDE AND OVER $91 MILLION IN FREE BAIL ASSISTANCE. THE BAIL PROJECT SUPPORTED THESE CLIENTS IN MORE THAN 138,000 COURT DATES FOR A 93% COURT APPEARANCE RATE, OFFERING FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT CASH BAIL IS NOT A NECESSARY INCENTIVE TO ENSURE PEOPLE RETURN TO COURT. THIS HIGH RETURN TO COURT RATE CONTINUES TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BAIL PROJECT'S NATIONAL REVOLVING BAIL FUND WITH 90% OF BAIL PAYMENTS RETURNING AFTER CASES CLOSE AND ALLOWING THE ORGANIZATION TO HELP ADDITIONAL PEOPLE. FISCAL YEAR 2024 WAS FURTHER MARKED BY KEY GAINS IN OUR ADVOCACY AND NARRATIVE CHANGE EFFORTS: THE CULMINATION OF A YEARS' LONG CAMPAIGN IN ILLINOIS RESULTING IN THE ELIMINATION OF CASH BAIL; TULSA-BASED RESEARCH DEMONSTRATING THAT PRETRIAL SUPPORT IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CASH BAIL; THE PUBLICATION OF 55 PIECES OF PRINT JOURNALISM AND 12 OP-EDS AND LETTERS; AND THE LAUNCH OF A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WITH THE AD COUNCIL FEATURING VIDEOS WITH MICHAEL ERIC DYSON, CARMELO ANTHONY, AND LEYNA BLOOM."

Source: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/814985512/202510589349301416/full Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:45, 16 September 2025 (UTC)

The statement in the introduction "As of 2020, it has 22 locations across the United States and has helped pay bail for over 12,000 people." could be modified to mirror this line from the "Work" section below: "According to their 2024 annual report, The Bail Project has posted $91 million in bail with the help of donations, and has helped 34,525 people since 2018." Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 17:49, 16 September 2025 (UTC)

Not done: A majority of the requested changes are currently written in a promotional tone. Please review WP:Neutral point of view and ensure you follow this before submitting any edit requests. GoldRomean (talk) 19:28, 9 October 2025 (UTC)

Also, what do you mean by "some of the following"? It is up to you to tell us what that is. Cheers, GoldRomean (talk) 19:28, 9 October 2025 (UTC)

Request to Correct Inaccuracy of Samuel Scott Case

Hi editors,

I'm writing to request that the bail amount listed for Samuel Scott in the "Notable Cases" section be adjusted from "one million" to "$5,000". Source: https://www.fox5vegas.com/2022/04/20/man-found-guilty-killing-wife-after-being-bailed-out-by-nonprofit/

For clarification: The $1M is a confusion around the bail set after he was rearrested. The Bail Project initially paid $5,000. After Mr. Scott was rearrested, his bail was set at $1M. Both numbers are cited here: https://apnews.com/489c69a8311e43eca9322d058048a849

Thank you. Jeremy spokenclass today (talk) 18:01, 16 September 2025 (UTC)

Done I updated the article based on the AP News article. IsCat (talk) 19:20, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

The Bail Fund article

The article on The Bail Fund needs to be completely rewritten. It is a horrific rant against bail. It does a little more than cite cases where people were given bail and then immediately committed crimes. This is not an accurate article on all of the work that The Bail Fund does. Rather it is a right wing political rant. 75.83.30.63 (talk) 15:30, 25 September 2025 (UTC)

I disagree with this. I think the article clearly states there are two sides of "the argument" and safely describes The Bail Project's "opinions," "positions," and "arguments." TarynCheese (talk) 22:46, 14 October 2025 (UTC)