Dear Brooklyn Community Foundation Partners,

INSIGHTS TO IMPACT celebrates our firm belief that when we are equipped with direct insights from Brooklyn’s communities we can make a significant impact on Brooklyn’s most pressing challenges.

We started this process with Brooklyn Insights—a six month project dedicated to learning from nearly 1,000 Brooklyn residents—and we’ve continued by lifting up the leadership and expertise of residents and nonprofits through our new strategy. This approach garnered the prestigious Impact Award from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and inspired donors to give over $1 million to our Community Fund last year.

We know that Brooklyn’s challenges are great. Nearly 40% of our neighbors live in or near poverty; structural and institutional barriers devastate our communities of color; and young people are growing up in rapidly changing neighborhoods that are increasingly unaffordable for their families.

We envision a better future. One that is fair and just, in which everyone who calls Brooklyn home can participate and prosper.

To achieve this vision, we’ve created a strategy that helps young people of color to realize their potential and power; lifts up local leaders in under resourced communities; and channels greater resources to nonprofits that give Brooklynites the tools to thrive.

A better future also starts by positioning Racial Justice at the core of this strategy so that all people are equally seen, valued, and respected. And I’m pleased to share we will be launching a Racial Equity Fund this year to give donors a direct way to participate in this critical work. 

In 2015 we deployed more than $4.2 million through our Community Fund and growing Donor Advised Fund program. In this report, we provide an overview of our funding areas and showcase our partners who are lending us their INSIGHTS and propelling us towards IMPACT. We’ve also included a section on INFLUENCE, showing how our efforts for justice and equity are resounding not only in Brooklyn but far beyond.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support and look forward to continuing our work together to spark lasting change.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Clarke
President & CEO