We Won’t Back Down

Dear Friends,

In my previous message, I shared how nonprofits across our borough have endured chaos and uncertainty due to the federal funding freeze. Today, I need to speak even more plainly about the gravity of what we’re facing.

The challenges confronting our communities are not isolated incidents – they represent a coordinated assault on our social safety net precisely when New Yorkers need it most.

Economic downturn, layoffs, and cuts to benefits and social programs will impact all of us, as 62% of Brooklynites already say it is increasingly difficult to meet the basic costs of living like food, childcare, and education. Furthermore, skyrocketing housing costs are pushing lifelong residents out of neighborhoods they built.

And the nonprofits standing on the frontlines? They’re being hit from all sides: government funding reductions, politically motivated attacks on immigrant services, and a concerted effort to undermine their commitments to justice and equity.

This is more than a funding crisis – it’s an existential threat to the very fabric of our communities.

Yet even in this dark hour, Brooklyn is showing its true character through collective action and unshakable solidarity. At Brooklyn Org, we remain steadfast in our commitments and focused on getting more resources to our communities.

Last week, with our partners at the Social Justice Fund, we gathered 100+ nonprofit leaders at Barclays Center to provide urgent legal guidance. We also continue to offer free programs through our comprehensive Capacity Building programs on data security, governance, and grant writing that will be essential tools for nonprofits to maintain their operations.

Next month, building on our People’s Pulse citywide poll and neighborhood Listening Tours, we are hosting our first-ever Town Hall with BRIC to bring local electeds together to hear directly from our communities during this major municipal election year. And in June, we are joining forces with the Center for Urban Future to bring our “50 Ideas for Brooklyn” report to life through a public forum to explore much-needed community-led solutions.

And, most critically, we continue to offer more funding opportunities to respond to urgent and long-term needs. Our grants, by design, are community-funded and community-decided, to meet the moment. This week, I’m proud to say we’re awarding $1.8 million to 17 hyperlocal nonprofits helping vulnerable immigrants, older adults, families and young people across our borough.

But we all need to do more.

Here’s how you can help right now:

1. Advocate with elected officials – Call or write your representatives at all levels of government. Demand they protect nonprofit funding, support immigrant-serving organizations, and recognize that investments in social services ultimately strengthen our entire community.
2. Volunteer your skills – Beyond financial contributions, consider how your professional expertise could support a local nonprofit. Whether it’s marketing, legal advice, IT support, or simply your time, these resources are invaluable when organizations face funding shortfalls.
3. Become a monthly BKO member – All of our grants are powered by donations from BKO supporters, and setting up a monthly donation ensures that you are part of the solution to this crisis throughout the critical period ahead.

The road ahead will test us. But Brooklyn has never backed down from a fight that matters. When our neighbors are threatened, we stand together. When our values are challenged, we hold firm. When the path forward seems uncertain, we find our way through collective wisdom and shared determination.

Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn: Join our movement to protect and strengthen our communities.

In solidarity,

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey
President & CEO
Brooklyn Org