BK Reader: Back Brooklyn Nonprofits This Giving Season

PUBLISHED IN: BK READER

On GivingTuesday, Brooklyn Org is sounding the alarm on a critical moment for the borough’s nonprofit community. Its annual Brooklyn Gives campaign is mobilizing residents to back local organizations facing rising demand and dwindling resources.

The campaign features hundreds of nonprofits addressing urgent needs across Brooklyn, from food access and immigrant support to housing justice, youth development, senior services, arts, culture and more.

Brooklynites are encouraged to explore and support these organizations through bkgives.brooklyn.org, now through the end of the year. Some groups will also be eligible for matching funds and cash prizes provided by Brooklyn Org and its philanthropic partners.

“Brooklyn’s nonprofits are the essential support for our communities right now when so many of our neighbors say they are struggling to afford the basics of everyday life,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, president and chief execurive officer of Brooklyn Org. “Brooklyn Gives is our collective chance to stand together with our nonprofits so we all move forward together.”

The drive comes on the heels of the organization’s fall survey, which paints a dire picture of the sector:

• 86% of nonprofits report higher operating costs
• 60% have had government funding cut
• More than half are unsure they’ll remain financially stable going into 2026.

Brooklyn Org stresses that nonprofits are carrying much of the borough’s safety net, feeding families, supporting mental health, mentoring youth and keeping communities afloat as living costs climb.

Incentives for donors this year include:

• A $100,000 matching fund for contributions to the 20 Spark Prize finalists
• Ten nonprofits receiving $500 surprise grants on GivingTuesday, Dec. 2
• All donations going directly to frontline Brooklyn organizations

Brooklyn Gives keeps charitable dollars in the borough, prioritizing grassroots and community-rooted organizations that understand local needs. The initiative channels the spirit of global GivingTuesday into a borough-wide effort to strengthen and sustain Brooklyn-based nonprofits.