Meet the Finalists for the 10th Brooklyn Org Spark Prize—Backed by a $200,000 Donation Match!

Each gets a $10,000 match through our Brooklyn Gives campaign

For a decade, the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize has celebrated the extraordinary nonprofits working every day to make Brooklyn stronger, fairer, and more vibrant.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the 20 finalists for the 2027 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize—a remarkable group of organizations advancing change across our borough, from education and economic opportunity to immigrant justice, the arts, housing, health, youth development, and more.

This year marks a major milestone—the Prize’s 10th anniversary. Since its creation, we have awarded $4.5 million to 45 Spark Prize winners, along with more than $1 million in matching funds to help participating nonprofits inspire giving and build broader communities of support.

To celebrate 10 years, we’re doubling down on our support for this year’s finalists! Beginning October 8 through December 31, we will match up to $10,000 in donations to each of the 20 finalists through Brooklyn Gives—twice the match offered in previous years.

That means Brooklynites and supporters everywhere will have an opportunity to double the impact of their gifts while helping these organizations reach new donors.

“This prize is born out of the belief that the most powerful solutions to the challenges facing Brooklyn are already being built right here—and with a boost of recognition and funding, we can help organizations create incredible change for our communities,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “A decade later, that belief is stronger than ever. These 20 finalists reflect the creativity, leadership, and determination of our borough. As we celebrate this milestone year, we’re proud to double our match and invite even more people to discover these organizations, invest in their work, and be part of what they make possible for Brooklyn.”

Meet The 2027 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Finalists

Black Veterans for Social Justice supports veterans, their families, and community members through housing, employment, benefits, wellness, and advocacy services.

Brooklyn Ballet reimagines classical ballet to reflect Brooklyn’s diverse communities through professional performance, dance education, and community-based programming.

Brooklyn Debate League expands access to speech and debate for New York City public school students through coaching, competitions, classes, and school partnerships.

Building Beats empowers young people through music, media, and creative technology, providing mentorship, hands-on learning, and pathways into creative careers.

Drama Club uses theater to empower young people impacted by the juvenile justice system, building confidence, communication skills, and community.

Emma’s Torch supports refugees through culinary training, professional development, and hands-on experience that builds pathways to meaningful careers.

Envision Freedom Fund works alongside people impacted by the criminal legal and immigration systems to challenge detention and secure freedom.

Extreme Kids & Crew creates welcoming, accessible spaces where neurodivergent young people and their families can connect, create, play, and build community.

Footsteps supports people leaving ultra-Orthodox communities as they build self-determined lives through social, emotional, educational, and career services.

IMPACCT Brooklyn works with residents to strengthen communities and advance affordable housing and economic, racial, and cultural diversity across Brooklyn.

Little Essentials provides families living in poverty with essential children’s supplies and parenting education to promote young children’s health and well-being.

Navigate the Maze to Achievement helps Black and Latino students access and excel in selective high schools, college, and careers through academic preparation and mentorship.

New York State Youth Leadership Council builds the leadership and collective power of undocumented young people through organizing, education, advocacy, and creative expression.

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, Inc. creates pathways to economic mobility for young people and adults through education, job training, employment services, and career opportunities.

RaisingHealth Partners supports immigrant communities through culturally responsive health services, education, community building, and opportunities for self-advocacy.

Seeds of Fortune Inc. expands access to college, career, and financial opportunities, helping students pursue higher education and long-term economic mobility.

Street Vendor Project builds power among New York City street vendors through organizing, legal support, business training, leadership development, and advocacy.

The Alex House Project, Inc. helps young parents build stronger families and economic stability through parenting education, workforce development, supportive services, and leadership opportunities.

The Brave House supports young immigrant women and gender-expansive youth through free legal services, mental health support, education, career assistance, and community.

The Children’s Law Center provides legal representation for children in custody, visitation, domestic violence, and child protective proceedings, ensuring their voices are heard.

Selected by Brooklyn, for Brooklyn

At the heart of the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize is our selection committee, a group of Brooklyn leaders who bring their experience, expertise, and deep connection to the borough to the selection process.

Each year, the Committee reviews eligible organizations and selects 20 finalists that demonstrate a strong record of service to Brooklyn and embody the Prize’s core values: Born in Brooklyn, Commitment to Equity, and Vision for the Future. Committee members then meet with the finalists through an interview process before selecting the five organizations that will each a $100,000 no-strings-attached grant from Brooklyn Org.

This community-led approach has been central to the Prize since its creation—ensuring that decisions about major investments in Brooklyn nonprofits are informed by people who know and care deeply about the borough and its communities.

Meet the 2027 Prize Committee

10 Years of Spark

The Brooklyn Org Spark Prize has established an incredible legacy of putting critical resources behind organizations working across Brooklyn while introducing their work to new donors, supporters, and partners.

From organizations that have grown into major Brooklyn institutions to smaller nonprofits pioneering new approaches to some of our borough’s most pressing challenges, winning organizations what is possible when communities have the resources to lead.

We can’t wait to announce the five 2027 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize winners in January, and we hope you’ll join us in March for a special 10th anniversary celebration bringing together the 2027 winners and finalists, all-time prize recipients, and the many community leaders who have served on the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Committee throughout its history.

Until then, you can help celebrate this year’s 20 finalists—and make your support go twice as far.