How DAFs Are Growing Our New Model for Community Philanthropy

Brooklyn has never lacked for creativity, energy, or ambition. But when it comes to philanthropy, there has long been a disconnect between the borough’s growth and the resources reaching the communities that power it.

Closing that gap is core to Brooklyn Org’s work.

In our recently published white paper, we outline a model for community philanthropy that is more aligned, more participatory, and more grounded in the realities of Brooklyn. It shifts power closer to the people, directs resources to real neighborhood needs, and invites more Brooklynites to help shape the future of this borough.

A central priority of our strategic plan is to grow a broader base of Champions for Brooklyn—not just donors, but engaged partners in building a stronger, more equitable borough.

We believe philanthropy should reflect the voices, priorities, and lived experiences of the communities it serves. That belief has guided Brooklyn Org’s evolution beyond a traditional foundation model. We are building a platform for local philanthropy—where community voice informs investment, and where participatory grantmaking, neighborhood engagement, and deep nonprofit partnerships drive impact.

But a model like this only works if more people see themselves in it. Expanding the circle of participation is essential to realizing its full potential.

At the same time, the broader philanthropic landscape is evolving. Donor advised funds (DAFs) have become one of the fastest-growing vehicles for charitable giving—valued for their flexibility, tax efficiency, and ability to support more intentional, long-term philanthropy.

For many donors, they are a natural choice. But where those funds are held matters just as much as how they are deployed.

Brooklyn Org offers a differentiated approach in an increasingly crowded marketplace. We provide the full suite of benefits donors expect—immediate tax deductions, investment growth, and flexible grantmaking—while offering something more meaningful: connection to place, to community, and to impact.

Here, giving is not transactional. It is part of a coordinated effort to strengthen Brooklyn—connecting donors to community priorities, local leadership, and opportunities for deeper engagement.

In this moment of both opportunity and need, we are intentionally expanding our Donor Advised Fund community as part of a broader effort to bring more people into this work.

Through June 30th, we are offering a limited-time opportunity to both new and existing fundholders:

• New fundholders who establish a DAF will receive a $718 bonus grant to direct to Brooklyn nonprofits of their choice, helping to catalyze their giving from the outset

• Existing fundholders who refer a new fundholder will receive a $718 bonus grant to support a Brooklyn nonprofit they care about

Brooklyn’s greatest asset is its people, and its greatest opportunity is to mobilize those people to invest in one another. By encouraging referrals, we are expanding a network of individuals and families committed to Brooklyn’s future.

Donor advised funds are a powerful tool to support that work. But tools alone do not create change—people do.

If you are already giving, this is an opportunity to do so more intentionally. If you have been considering a donor advised fund, this is a simple and meaningful way to begin. And if you are part of our existing community, this is a moment to help grow it.

Building a stronger Brooklyn is not the work of any one institution. It is something we do—together.