Defy Ventures is a non-profit organization that exists to give people with criminal histories their best shot at a second chance. Defy helps people with criminal histories to “defy the odds” by providing pathways to employment and entrepreneurship to increase economic opportunity, reduce recidivism, and transform lives. Defy is a national organization, working across 8 states nationwide, including in Illinois. In Illinois, Defy provides in-prison and post-release reentry services for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated members of our community, as well as educating local companies about fair chance employment.

This spring, Defy will hold our second annual Virtual Silent Auction to raise vital funds and share our work with supporters nationwide. The auction will be held online from April 25- May 2nd, and we are respectfully requesting companies consider donating an item for fundraising purposes. The event will be advertised to Defy’s network of over 7,000 supporters, and sponsorship opportunities are also available for additional recognition. With a donation to the auction, your company would be listed as an event donor and your impact will make a difference in the lives of individuals across our community. Thank you in advance for your consideration of supporting our mission in this way.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Defy’s work has been more important than ever as people released from prison face a more turbulent reentry context than ever before. In the past two years, Defy successfully pivoted all programming to take place through correspondence and virtual means. In 2022, we are in the process of resuming in-person programming where safe and permitted by correctional departments. As we continue to deliver programming in a more virtual world, this online auction will help us to engage our supporters and partners to increase our impact. All funds raised through the auction will support Defy’s in-prison and post-release programs, transforming lives and breaking cycles of recidivism and poverty for generations.

Defy is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, with Tax ID 27-3611908. We would be glad to provide an acknowledgement of your donated items for tax purposes.