Brooklyn Community Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: Over $5 million in grants
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Twice yearly decisions
Grant Range: $3,500 - $350,000 (based on recent awards)
Geographic Focus: Brooklyn, NY

Contact Details

Website: brooklyn.org
Address: 80 Hanson Place, 5th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: Not publicly listed
Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

Founded in 1999, Brooklyn Community Foundation (also known as Brooklyn Org) is a public foundation dedicated to sparking lasting social change across Brooklyn. With total assets exceeding $141 million and annual revenue of $39.3 million (2024), the foundation mobilizes people, capital, and expertise for a fair and just Brooklyn. The foundation has demonstrated significant commitment to racial equity, with nearly 75% of funded organizations being BIPOC-led as of 2022. Their mission centers on ending inequity and injustice in Brooklyn through unrestricted grant funding and comprehensive support services including coaching, skill-building, and network connections.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Support: Rolling deadline (next cycle April 15, 2026), supports organizations advancing racial justice
Microgrants: Up to $10,000, for organizations with budgets under $100,000 (next cycle May 31, 2026)
Invest in Youth: Youth development programs
Neighborhood Strength: Community cohesion initiatives
Brooklyn Accelerator: Capacity building program
Racial Justice Grants: Targeted support for racial equity work

Priority Areas

Families and Youth
Immigrants and Older Adults
Civil Rights and Justice Reform
Civic Engagement
Environmental Justice
Housing
Health & Well-Being
Jobs & Economic Opportunity
Arts & Culture

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented on available resources

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

Jocelynne Rainey - CEO & President
Michael Gillespie - Board Chair (2024)
Nicole G Epps - Principal Officer
25-member Board of Directors

The foundation prioritizes BIPOC leadership and community-led solutions, with demonstrated commitment to funding grassroots organizations across Brooklyn's diverse communities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online application portal available at brooklyn.org/how-to-apply-for-bko-funding/
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Funding decisions made twice per year
Application clinics offered with streaming options available
Sign up for nonprofit newsletter for funding opportunity notifications

Decision Timeline

Decisions made twice annually
Specific timeline from submission to decision not publicly available
Rolling applications allow submission at any time

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and priorities:

Strong alignment with racial justice and equity goals essential
BIPOC-led organizations receive priority consideration
Focus on community-led, grassroots solutions
Demonstrate impact on Brooklyn communities
Organizations at various stages of growth are welcomed
Unrestricted funding model suggests emphasis on organizational sustainability
Attend application clinics for best guidance
Small organizations (under $100,000 budget) should apply for Microgrants program

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Prioritizes BIPOC-led organizations - 75% of funded organizations in 2022
Offers unrestricted funding providing flexibility for grantees
Provides comprehensive support beyond funding including coaching and network building
Rolling application deadlines allow flexible submission timing
Decisions made twice yearly require strategic timing consideration
Focus on systemic change and racial justice should be central to proposals
Small organizations have dedicated Microgrants program with simplified process

References

Brooklyn Community Foundation Official Website (brooklyn.org) - Accessed December 2025
Brooklyn Community Foundation Grant Application Page (brooklyn.org/how-to-apply-for-bko-funding/) - Accessed December 2025
Brooklyn Community Foundation Grants Page (brooklyn.org/grants/) - Accessed December 2025
Brooklyn Community Foundation Grantees Directory (brooklyn.org/grantees/) - Accessed December 2025
GuideStar Profile (guidestar.org/profile/11-3422729) - Accessed December 2025
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Brooklyn Community Foundation Form 990 Data (projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/113422729) - Accessed December 2025