City Parks Foundation and Partnerships for Parks on Wednesday awarded grants to several Brooklyn organizations as part of the spring 2026 NYC Green Fund grassroots grants program, which distributed $397,000 to community groups caring for parks and open spaces across New York City.
The program, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, supports volunteer-led environmental and public space projects, particularly in environmental justice neighborhoods and communities facing longstanding disinvestment.
Brooklyn recipients include Flatbush Mixtape, Earth Stewards NYC, Friends of Brower Park, Friends of McGolrick Park, Owl’s Head Park Volunteers, Union Street Garden and Community Development, We Are Southern Brooklyn, Inc., Friends of Hilltop Playground, Friends of Raymond Bush Playground, Greene Acres Community Garden, Newkirk Community Garden and The Hanging Gardens of Brooklyn.
“We are thrilled to announce our spring 2026 NYC Green Fund Grassroots grantees,” said Sabina Saragoussi, director of Partnerships for Parks. “We thank the funders for this crucial support for local park groups sustaining and activating the neighborhood parks we all enjoy and rely on for respite and connection to nature and each other. These funds help communities ensure these precious green spaces are vibrant places that enrich the lives of New Yorkers in all corners of the city.”
Many of the Brooklyn projects focus on climate resilience, environmental education and expanding access to community green space.
Earth Stewards NYC will improve stormwater management in and around Canarsie Park through tree care, rain garden installation and trail maintenance aimed at reducing flooding.
Flatbush Mixtape plans to expand the Flatbush Garden Network in partnership with the Lefferts Historic House. The project includes a seed library and tool-sharing system designed to support local gardeners and community growing spaces.
We Are Southern Brooklyn will engage young people in environmental stewardship, including neighborhood cleanups and a public awareness campaign warning against dumping waste into storm drains connected to local waterways.
Grant awards range from $1,000 to $30,000, with priority given to smaller organizations and groups working in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by pollution, climate change and limited access to green space.
Since its launch, the NYC Green Fund has distributed more than $2 million to grassroots organizations across the city.
