Looking Forward With Local Action

As we step into 2026, I find myself reflecting on what gives me hope during these uncertain times. The world around us feels increasingly unstable, with challenges mounting on every front. Yet it’s precisely in moments like these that I’m reminded of where our greatest strength lies in our local communities and in our collective commitment to our neighbors.

This hope isn’t abstract or wishful thinking. It’s grounded in real progress and genuine partnership. I’m energized by New York City’s new mayoral administration and leaders who are genuinely listening to the voices of communities. Through our People’s Pulse Survey and countless community conversations this past year, we heard one message loud and clear: affordability is the urgent crisis facing our neighbors. When we see leaders responding to this call with action and attention, it reminds us that change begins when we listen first and act with purpose.

Our optimism also stems from the remarkable work we accomplished together throughout 2025. We launched Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn, our campaign to meet the growing crisis in our communities, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re on track to start making additional grants very soon. The response has been overwhelming, with gifts pouring in from so many of our neighbors who understand the urgency of this moment.

Beyond this campaign, 2025 was a year of deepening our impact. Our two regional Community Forums informed not just our work but also guided policymakers and local leaders while attracting over 200 participants hungry for insight into their communities. We hosted Brooklyn’s largest volunteer day, bringing neighbors together in service. We also launched our Microgrants program, opening unprecedented funding opportunities to grassroots organizations doing essential neighborhood-level work. And we showed up across Brooklyn, tabling at community events, hosting fireside chats with nonprofit leaders, and maintaining our commitment to being a visible, accessible resource for the communities we serve.

We also expanded our reach in meaningful ways. NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital joined us as a presenting sponsor for our annual Brooklyn Org Spark Prize, helping to ensure this game changing investment in exceptional nonprofit winners and finalists. We have also welcomed dozens of new BKO Donor Advised Funds (DAF), whose generosity is flowing into our communities and building a new era of individualized philanthropy.

Now, as we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited to share what’s on the horizon. We’re launching the Brooklyn Org Youth DAF Program to cultivate a charitable mindset in young Brooklynites. We are also inaugurating a graduate student fellowship program to introduce new, diverse voices to philanthropy. On March 3rd, we’ll gather at the Barclays Center for the always inspiring Brooklyn Org Spark Breakfast, and on April 25th, we’ll host our 3rd annual Brooklyn Org Volunteer Day, where once again we’ll mobilize hundreds of neighbors to serve together. Behind the scenes, we’re finalizing new funding partnerships that will yield significantly more resources flowing directly to Brooklyn’s nonprofits and community organizations. Stay tuned for more to come!

And lastly, we are putting the finish touches on a white paper detailing our evolution from Brooklyn Community Foundation to Brooklyn Org—a transformation that reflects our expanded ambitions and deeper commitment to community-driven change.

As we navigate the road ahead, this is our moment to act locally with intention and urgency. Whether through giving, volunteering, or simply showing up for your neighbors, every action matters. Brooklyn has always been a place where we take care of each other, where we build from the ground up, and where we refuse to accept that things cannot change.

I’m grateful to work alongside so many who share this vision and this commitment. Together, we’ll make 2026 a year of meaningful progress for Brooklyn. Let’s get to work.

With gratitude and determination,

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey
President and CEO, Brooklyn Org