Brooklyn Org Launches Microgrants Program to Fund Small Nonprofits

Brooklyn Org (BKO) announced today the launch of Brooklyn Org Microgrants, a new funding stream designed to strengthen Brooklyn’s smaller nonprofits by providing up to $10,000 to organizations with annual budgets under $100,000. The program addresses a critical funding gap for neighborhood groups driving change at the grassroots level that may not qualify for larger grant opportunities.

Brooklyn Org Microgrants reflect BKO’s commitment to supporting organizations of every size within the borough, with a particular focus on groups founded by and serving communities that have been historically disempowered. The program prioritizes organizations that are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, engage community members as volunteers and leaders, and have a focus on racial and social justice. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions announced twice yearly in September and February.

“Oftentimes the most innovative community solutions come from the smallest organizations, the neighborhood groups that know their communities best because they’re part of them,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “Our microgrants program recognizes that you don’t need a massive budget to make a massive impact. These grants will help grassroots organizations build their capacity while staying true to their community roots.”

Brooklyn Org Microgrants is part of BKO’s strategic plan to expand support to nonprofits boroughwide and is a direct outcome of community conversations during BKO’s annual Listening Tours, where small nonprofits expressed the need for support targeted to neighborhood-based projects. The new funding stream complements Brooklyn Org’s existing Strategic Grants program—which provides multi-year general operating support for organizations with budgets above $100,000 working to advance racial justice in the borough—and its Donor Advised Fund grantmaking. Through the support of its donor community, Brooklyn Org has provided over $130 million to nonprofits since its founding in 2009, with more than $21.1 million to nonprofits in 2024 alone.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be Brooklyn-based or actively working in Brooklyn, hold 501(c)3 status or operate under a fiscal sponsor, and have at least one year of programming experience. Brooklyn Org will accept applications during two review periods each year: June 1 through November 30, with funding announcements in February, and December 1 through May 31, with funding announcements in September. Organizations can submit only one application per review period and are eligible for one grant per year. The program does not fund individuals, capital campaigns, or projects of larger organizations whose budgets exceed $100,000.

Community organizations interested in applying can access the application at: https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/PnKUdt