Brooklyn Org has awarded $1.5 million in new multi-year grants to 16 Brooklyn nonprofits providing emergency food assistance, immigrant rights support, mental health care, youth programs and services for older adults living on fixed incomes.
The new round of funding, driven by contributions from Brooklyn Org’s donor community, arrives as local organizations navigate steep cost-of-living increases and major cuts to federal social service programs.
In a recent survey conducted by the foundation, 86% of Brooklyn nonprofits reported higher operating costs over the past year, while 60% said they have lost government funding. More than half expressed concern about financial stability heading into 2026.
“At Brooklyn Org we believe that the surest path to transformative change is through local action” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org.
In response to these pressures, Brooklyn Org launched its Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn campaign last summer, a yearlong effort to raise $5 million and boost support for frontline groups by 25% over the previous year. In 2024, the foundation distributed more than $3.8 million through its community grantmaking programs and more than $15.7 million through Donor Advised Funds.
This latest round of grants supports 16 organizations across the borough, including:
New York Birth Control Access Project
Black Veterans for Social Justice
Brooklyn Rescue Mission Urban Harvest Center
Churches United For Fair Housing
Global Trauma Research
Homecrest Community Services
Immigrant Children Advocates' Relief Effort (ICARE)
Mixteca Organization
QARAVAN
Sure We Can
The Circle Keepers
The Family Center
The Campaign Against Hunger
UPROSE
Volunteers of Legal Service
We Build the Block
Nonprofit leaders emphasized that the funding arrives at a pivotal moment. Global Trauma Research noted rising demand for culturally competent mental health care among immigrants and refugees as funding cuts limit access.
Brooklyn Rescue Mission Urban Harvest Center pointed to growing food insecurity and highlighted how the support will expand its urban farm, stock pantry shelves and deliver culturally relevant groceries to more families. Homecrest Community Services said the investment will strengthen multilingual, culturally responsive services for Asian immigrant communities navigating rising costs and limited language-access support.
Brooklyn Org distributes funding through a participatory grantmaking model led by a council of local residents, reflecting its long-standing focus on community-driven solutions. Of the 16 grantees, seven operate with annual budgets under $1 million.
“Demand for mental health care among immigrants and refugees is soaring even as funding cuts make accessing those services harder. With Brooklyn Org’s support, Global Trauma Research will be able to reach more Brooklyn residents with in-language, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care that our communities trust,” said Dr. Florence Saint-Jean, Executive Director of Global Trauma Research.
Funding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with new grant announcements released twice per year. The next regular community grant cycle will be announced in spring 2026.
About the Grantees
New York Birth Control Access Project trains young people to expand access to reproductive health care through legislative advocacy, college programs and paid development opportunities that prepare them for public service careers.
Black Veterans for Social Justice provides housing support, food access, financial coaching and assistance navigating federal benefits for Black veterans and families across Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Rescue Mission Urban Harvest Center offers a grocery-style pantry, benefits outreach and community farming programs aimed at strengthening food access and building a more resilient local food system in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Churches United For Fair Housing organizes for housing justice, youth empowerment and social services for low-income immigrant communities of color.
Global Trauma Research delivers culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health services, crisis intervention and harm-reduction support for immigrants and underserved residents.
Homecrest Community Services provides meals, wellness programs, cultural activities and civic engagement for older adults in South Brooklyn, while advocating for language access, health care and housing stability.
Immigrant Children Advocates' Relief Effort (ICARE) connects unaccompanied immigrant children with legal and social services through a citywide referral network and leads rapid-response advocacy and court support.
Mixteca Organization supports Mexican and Latin American immigrants with services spanning migrant rights, mental health, economic justice, health education and civic engagement.
QARAVAN offers therapy, legal assistance, English classes, case management and LGBTQ+ peer support, alongside community events such as Brighton Beach Pride, to help LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees build visibility and access services.
Sure We Can provides a supportive redemption center for canners, offering services that support financial stability, community connection and environmental sustainability.
The Circle Keepers trains young people to lead restorative justice circles that address school conflict, strengthen peer mediation and empower youth to advocate for equitable education policies.
The Family Center supports families and children affected by illness, crisis or instability through legal services, HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health programs.
The Campaign Against Hunger expands food access through a boroughwide pantry network, home grocery delivery and community farms that also serve as job-training hubs.
UPROSE leads community-based climate justice and resiliency efforts through organizing, education, arts and youth leadership development in Sunset Park.
Volunteers of Legal Service provides free civil legal services and connects residents with pro bono attorneys, helping low-income older adults plan for their medical and financial futures.
We Build the Block operates a trusted drop-in space for young men affected by gun violence and incarceration, offering therapy, case management, court advocacy, restorative justice circles and everyday support including food, haircuts and basic needs.
The next round of Brooklyn Org community grants will be announced in spring 2026.
