20 Local Nonprofits Named Finalists for $100,000 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize

Brooklyn Org today announced the 20 nonprofit finalists for its 2026 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize, which honors outstanding organizations championing community-led change in the borough. Each finalist will receive a $5,000 matching grant for the Brooklyn Gives year-end local giving crowdfunding campaign hosted at bkgives.brooklyn.org, starting on November 12, 2026.

Five finalists will go on to be awarded $100,000 each, and will be honored at the Brooklyn Org Spark Breakfast in early 2026.

“From immigrant justice and youth leadership to arts, housing, and economic opportunity, these finalists represent the breadth and brilliance of Brooklyn’s nonprofit sector,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President & CEO of Brooklyn Org. “Their work is rooted in community, powered by equity, and sparking lasting change for our neighbors.”

Finalists were selected by the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Committee—a distinguished group of local leaders and philanthropists—and demonstrate a strong record of service to Brooklyn communities and alignment with the Prize’s core values: Born in Brooklyn, Commitment to Equity, and Vision for the Future.

2026 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Finalists

• Accompany Capital
• Asiyah Women’s Center
• Black Trans Femmes in the Arts
• Brooklyn Arts Council
• Brooklyn Debate League
• Center for NuLeadership on Human Justice and Healing
• Emma’s Torch
• Flatbush Development Corporation
• Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy
• IMPACCT Brooklyn
• Little Essentials
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors
• Oko Urban Farms
• Read 718
• Red Hook Art Project
• Street Vendor Project
• Surveillance Technology Oversight Project
• The BRO Experience Foundation
• The Children’s Law Center
• YVote

About Brooklyn Org

Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn bringing together community changemakers to be a new model for local philanthropy, built from the ground up, in pursuit of a more equitable and just borough. Since its founding in 2009, Brooklyn Org has moved over $130 million to nonprofits through its strategic grantmaking and Donor Advised Funds, while driving action to address urgent crises and long-term change in Brooklyn. Learn more at brooklyn.org.

About the Prize

The Brooklyn Org Spark Prize is named for Brooklyn Org’s mission to spark lasting social change in Brooklyn. The Prize recognizes organizations with a deep history of service to Brooklyn, a clear commitment to equity and racial justice, and a bold, community-driven vision for the future. Eligible organizations typically have operated for at least five years and meet baseline budget requirements; finalists advance to interviews with the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Committee of local leaders, nonprofit professionals, and community members. Winners are announced in early January and will be celebrated at the annual Brooklyn Org Spark Breakfast. Over $5 million has been awarded through the Prize since its launch in 2016.

About Brooklyn Gives

Brooklyn Gives is an annual year-end crowdfunding local giving campaign, hosted by Brooklyn Org, that galvanizes the global GivingTuesday generosity movement for Brooklyn nonprofits. As part of the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize program, each finalist receives a $5,000 match to propel donations and garner greater community recognition. Learn more at bkgives.brooklyn.org.