On Minneapolis, Brooklyn, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors

As we watch what is happening in Minnesota, we are met with a mix of heartbreak and concern. The fear, loss, and disruption affecting families and communities there remind us how fragile safety can be — and how quickly people can be pushed into crisis.

For those of us in Brooklyn, this moment is a call to action — not out of fear, but out of responsibility.

The strength of our city in times of uncertainty depends on the strength of the nonprofit organizations serving our communities every day. They are trusted first responders in moments of crisis. They provide critical services, stabilize families, and ensure that communities are not left isolated or unprotected when challenges arise.

This is exactly why Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn matters. Our campaign is raising critical funds to back the nonprofits helping our neighbors most impacted by federal policy changes, escalating immigration enforcement, and social benefit cuts. These organizations are lifelines for families navigating unprecedented challenges, and they need our increased support.

Preparation cannot wait until a crisis arrives. Investments made today — in capacity, readiness, and community trust — ensure that Brooklyn is better equipped to respond with care, coordination, and resilience if and when crisis reaches our door.

Brooklyn Org is committed to stewarding resources toward organizations that are deeply rooted in our communities and prepared to meet moments of stress with compassion and competence. Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn is a concrete way you can take action for your neighbors right now — bolstering our borough against mounting threats and ensuring our nonprofit lifelines have the resources to serve when it matters most.

We will be announcing grant distributions from the campaign soon, and will continue to release additional funds as donations come in. Every contribution strengthens Brooklyn’s capacity to respond with care and resilience.

With your partnership, we can help ensure that Brooklyn’s communities are supported, resilient, and ready — no matter what lies ahead.

With deep gratitude,
Dr. Jocelynne Rainey
President & CEO