The Inside Circle Foundation was officially formed in January of 1999 by Robert Allbee. Rob, a poet and former convict himself, had been offering his experience and expertise as writing instructor and men's circle facilitator on a primarily volunteer basis in the California State Prison at Sacramento in Folsom, California. As the request for circles and writing instruction grew, taking more and more time away from his capacity to earn a living as a carpenter, he began to explore ways to solicit funding for these program he felt so strongly about. Rob recruited the help of his friend Donald Morrison, a local accountant, and together they formed Inside Circle Foundation.
