Langeloth Foundation

In late 2023, Langeloth’s board of directors made the decision to spend down the foundation’s remaining endowment and cease operations at the end of 2028.

The choice to sunset is not a retreat—it is a deliberate choice to go “all in” at a moment of historic urgency. Guided by a Board that has consistently prioritized justice, safety and health for communities too often ignored, and a staff committed to following the lead of its grantee partners, Langeloth believes the next three years represent a window of maximum leverage. Spending down is not the right path for every foundation. But at this point in our organizational life—and at this consequential moment for our nation—it is the right decision for Langeloth.

The two issues at the heart of our work—ending prolonged solitary confinement and scaling community violence intervention—stand at pivotal inflection points. More than 122,000 people endure solitary confinement in the United States on any given day, often for months or years, despite clear human rights standards defining prolonged isolation as torture. At the same time, community-based violence intervention strategies are demonstrating measurable reductions in gun violence, even as federal support recedes.

Both fields have built credible infrastructure, proven strategies, and courageous leadership. What they lack is sustained, reliable investment at the scale this moment demands. The opportunity to reduce harm—and save lives—is immediate and real. That is why between now and the end of 2028, Langeloth will focus on strengthening our partners, accelerating their progress, and helping secure the long-term philanthropic support needed to carry this work forward after we sunset.

Our aim is to transfer not only resources, but trust, relationships, and hard-earned momentum to new funders ready to lead. We move forward with humility and conviction—grateful for the vision and courage of our Board, proud of what our partners have built, and committed to ensuring that the progress of the past decade becomes the foundation for lasting change.