BK Reader: Brooklyn Nonprofits Struggle to Keep Up With Growing Demand

PUBLISHED IN: BK READER

Brooklyn nonprofits are facing major headwinds as funding cuts, rising costs and overextend staff struggle to keep up with rising community demand, according to a new survey.

The Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn Nonprofit Survey conducted by Brooklyn Org found that 86% of nonprofits reported higher costs to provide services, with more than half experiencing increases of 10% or more compared to last year.

At the same time, 60% experienced cuts in government funding, with 42% reporting funding cuts of 20% or more. More than half of survey respondents said they are concerned about whether their organizations will be financially stable in 2026.

“Our survey makes clear that just as New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, the nonprofits that anchor our communities and provide vital services are being stretched to their limits,” said Jocelynne Rainey, president and chief executive officer of Brooklyn Org. “These organizations are facing soaring demand even as government funding has been stripped away. The sector is being asked to do more than ever before, without the resources needed to sustain this vital work.”

With funding loss comes major reductions: 47% of respondents said it cut non-personnel expenses, while 36% froze hiring.

Robin Redmond, the executive director at Flatbush Development Corporation said the group could not meet the community’s “high demand for services on a good day.”

She said higher unemployment rates, inflation, looming changes to medical coverage and continued predatory landlord activities is creating a greater demand for services.

In addition, nearly 41% of the nonprofits saw decreases in individual donations.

Lorena Kourousias, the executive director at Mixteca and a survey respondent, said with the political climate turning against immigrants, standing strong together is more important than ever.

“When we back Brooklyn, we back the immigrant families who keep this borough thriving,” she said.