In 2011, a core group of five foundations set out to use California’s prison crowding crisis as a springboard for broad changes in criminal justice policy. They used partnerships and grants of at least $14 million to build a statewide network that now plays a key role in the Proposition 47 ballot drive to reduce criminal penalties for drug use and petty theft. Funding for most of that advocacy work – over and above a $9-million political campaign – did not have to be disclosed on campaign contribution reports.