Brooklyn Org (BKO) seeks to support Brooklyn-serving organizations working to ensure that Brooklynites have the opportunity and agency to achieve social and economic success for themselves and their communities. We conduct grantmaking using a racial justice lens prioritizing support for BIPOC organizations on the frontlines of the fight for social change, knowing that those who are closest to the challenges faced by our communities are closest to the solutions. The Foundation has distributed over $100 million dollars since its founding and plans to continue. 

Brooklyn Org adopted a participatory grantmaking approach for all unrestricted grantmaking programs in 2021 as a complement to our community engagement work.  Our process centers residents with lived experience and expertise as key decisionmakers in reviewing grant proposals, conducting in-person site visits, and selecting nonprofits for funding. Following a new strategic plan completed in 2023, grantmaking will be unified under a single, ongoing Request for Proposals (RFP) model with one intergenerational advisory council moving forward.  Starting in Fall 2024, Advisory Council  activities will be clustered in August-September and January-February after training and onboarding. 

Advisory Council members are paid for their participation. We request advisors make a two year commitment if selected.  

Ideal Candidates for our Advisory Council:

·      Currently resides in Brooklyn

·      Is committed to the idea that all people should be equally seen, heard, valued, and respected, regardless of race

·      Has a developed analysis and understanding of systemic racism

·      Has personal experience living at the intersections of multiple identities related to race, age, economic status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, immigration status and country of origin, and disability 

·      Is passionate, self-motivated, and collaborative

·      Is able to read and review grant applications written in English and accompany BKO staff on visits to organizations

·      Can commit to meetings during business hours and/or Saturdays

·      Must be willing to travel to all Brooklyn neighborhoods 

·     Not currently in a senior leadership position of an organization     

      Current Timelines:

Advisory Council activities will resume in mid- 2024

     Next Steps

      You will be contacted if an opportunity to join an Advisory Council opens up and you are selected to move forward in the process.

     Please no unsolicited phone calls.