Insights to Impact

We're proud to share the stories of our supporters who helped make this critical work possible. We spoke with Maria Buck about what inspired her to give to the Brooklyn COVID-19 Response Fund, and why she decided to become a monthly donor to Brooklyn Community Foundation. 

 We spoke with social change strategist Dave Algoso about what inspired him and his wife, Annie Coombs, to give to the Brooklyn COVID-19 Response Fund, and why they decided to become monthly donors to the Fund. 

In 13 days we start a new chapter of American history, led by courageous organizers and movement builders who have not given up on their belief in a better future for us all.

As part of our institutional commitment to racial justice, we are here to work with you to increase giving to Black-led and other people of color-led organizations working on the frontlines of the fight for social change.

This week we are launching the next phase of the Brooklyn COVID-19 Response Fund, which begins with an ambitious community engagement process we’re calling Brooklyn Insights 2020.

So far, more than 2,800 donors have contributed over $625,000 to 95 organizations. Donations will be accepted through December 31st, so there's still time to give if you haven't yet!

In this conversation, our President and CEO Cecilia Clarke, philanthropist, social activist, and filmmaker Abigail E. Disney, and author of Decolonizing Wealth Edgar Villanueva discuss the changes that need to be made in order to repair the harm done in the name of philanthropy.

Learn more about the Brooklyn Restorative Justice Project directly from our partners involved in its implementation and analysis by watching our recent webinar, and read on for restorative justice resources for educators. 

Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) and CNN and MSNBC Political Commentator Aisha C. Mills discuss the upcoming 2020 election, the 2020 U.S. census, and how we can achieve long-term structural change.

With immense gratitude, we are announcing that Brooklyn Community Foundation Chairman Alan H. Fishman will step down from his position on Friday, September 25, 2020. The Board of Directors will officially welcome Nicole Gueron and Harsha Marti as its new Co-Chairs, and Alan will continue to serve the Foundation as esteemed Chairman Emeritus.

In this second installment of our interview with Lola C. West, Managing Director of WestFuller Advisors and member of the Foundation’s Spark Prize Committee, we discussed Lola's giving philosophy and her work in community-based philanthropy.

Katrena Perou, Executive Director of Inspiring Minds NYC and Donor Advised Fund holder with Brooklyn Community Foundation, spoke with us about her experiences as a nonprofit leader, challenges facing nonprofit leaders of color, and how she is making an impact on the borough both personally and professionally.

In the face of a crisis, it’s common to be overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, so below we’ve compiled a list of easy, actionable steps you can take to support our beloved borough for the long-term.

In total, 214 weekly Immediate Response grants have gone to organizations that have been lifelines to our communities, providing desperately needed food, PPE, direct cash assistance, mental health services, remote learning support, healthcare, small business loans, legal aid, safe housing, and so much more.