Community Fund

A new study shows that white CEOs are disproportionately represented among leadership in our local nonprofit sector. But the systems that have bolstered and maintained white leadership are not immovable—and as funders, we can address them through intentional introspection and strategy.

With your support, we distributed a landmark $15.6 million to nonprofits through our Community Fund and Donor Advised Fund programs last year—surpassing our previous grantmaking record for Brooklyn Community Foundation and bringing our total grantmaking since our founding in 2009 to over $90 million! As we usher in a new year of community-led change, we are proud to share some of the many highlights of the past twelve months.

Many local nonprofits are grappling with an increased demand for services, fewer donations, and the impacts of inflation. Our CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey shares with NY1 how we can address this concerning trend.

With your continued support, we will grow our investment in these critical community-led organizations on the frontlines of social change. We are a borough of changemakers, and together we can—and must—do more.

In our new annual Impact Report, we want to introduce you to our Brooklyn approach to philanthropy aimed at racial justice and community-led change, as told through the voices of our partners who are critical to this work. 
 

Muslim Community Network (MCN) aims to shape public understanding of Muslim identity while supporting members of New York’s Muslim community through civic education and leadership development.

In her monthly column, Brooklyn Community Foundation President and CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey shares reflections and stories of impact from our work across Brooklyn.

In her monthly column, Brooklyn Community Foundation President and CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey shares reflections and stories of impact from our work across Brooklyn.

Two years later, it’s still hard to believe the challenges we faced in the lead up to, and implementation of, the 2020 Census: decreased funding for the Census Bureau, the politically-motivated introduction of a citizenship question, the roll-out of a new online survey, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, which had taken hold of New York City right as the 2020 Census launched.