The Brooklyn Community Foundation announced on July 5 that $1,485,000 in new funding from its Brooklyn Elders Fund will be used to support 14 local nonprofits.
“As the population of older adults continues to grow in our borough and around New York City, we know that we need to invest in the nonprofits who are showing up for this vulnerable population each and every day,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO of Brooklyn Community Foundation.
“That’s why we are so proud to announce this year’s Brooklyn Elders Fund grant recipients, a wide selection of nonprofits who devote time and resources to help older adults improve their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.”
The foundation is the first and only public foundation solely dedicated to Brooklyn’s charitable community, working in partnership with generous donors and community leaders to advance racial justice and bolster vital nonprofits.
The Brooklyn Elders Fund prioritizes organizations that are led by people of color, have relatively small budgets, and often face systemic barriers in accessing grants compared to white-led organizations. Grants were awarded through the Foundation’s participatory grantmaking approach, bringing together older adults from across Brooklyn to review grant applications, attend site visits, and ultimately provide funding recommendations.
“Having lived in Brooklyn for the past 40 years, I’ve seen firsthand the issues that affect our older population — be it healthcare, housing, transportation, or food insecurity,” said Selma Jackson, a Brooklyn Elders Fund Advisory Council member.
“Now that I'm a member of this population, I feel even stronger about stepping up and supporting programs that enrich our lives. It’s exciting to finally choose a strong selection of nonprofits after a year of sorting through applications, conducting site visits, and discussing with others about the stand-out applicants.”
Of the 14 nonprofits selected, six groups have received three-year funding: Access Justice Brooklyn, Asian American Federation, Brooklyn Community Pride Center, CABS Home Attendants Service, Inc., Height and Hills and the YWCA of Brooklyn.
Seven groups have received two-year funding: Bloom Again Brooklyn, Breaking Ground, Bridge Street Development Corporation, Caring Kind. Council of People Organization, Release Aging People in Prison and The Doula Program. GRIOT Circle has received one year of funding.
