Our Grantmaking Approach

Our strategic grantmaking and special initiatives advance racial justice in support of our mission to spark lasting social change for a fair and just Brooklyn.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We believe Brooklyn residents who are closest to the challenges in our communities are closest to the solutions. Our strategic grantmaking investments are informed by community engagement, including our annual Listening Tours that build relationships with neighborhood leaders and stay informed on challenges and opportunities across our borough.

PARTICIPATORY GRANTMAKING

All of our strategic grantmaking programs are conducted in close partnership with community members through participatory grantmaking models, in which they bring their lived experience and expertise as decision makers on our grantmaking advisory councils. We first implemented project-based participatory programs in 2015, and fully transitioned to having community advisory councils for all discretionary initiatives in 2021.

TRUST-BASED PHILANTHROPY

We provide multi-year unrestricted general operating support wherever possible—to give organizations the flexibility to use our funding where it's needed most—and we strive to reduce administrative burdens on nonprofits with simplified grant application and reporting processes.