Incubator Project Overview

Over an 18-month period, we helped build the capacity of three to six emerging, innovative organizations at the early stages of development dedicated to sparking change for a more fair and just Brooklyn, especially those working to address racial justice.

The Incubator Project supported nonprofits, community groups, and community leaders working in one or more of the following areas of focus:

  • Arts and Culture
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economic Justice
  • Environmental Justice
  • Gender Justice
  • Housing Rights
  • Immigrant Rights
  • Reproductive Justice
  • Worker Rights

Award Details

Groups selected for the Incubator Project received:

  • A seed grant of $5,000 to be used over 18 months for legal fees, web development, meeting and travel costs, and other start-up costs;
  • Rent-free co-working space at Brooklyn Creative League in Gowanus, Brooklyn for up to 3 staff members or volunteers per organization starting June 1, 2019. Organizations will also be connected to Brooklyn Creative League’s thriving and collaborative community which includes:
    • Participation in regular schedule of events, lunches, happy hours, workshops, and industry working groups to build relationships based on shared interests, knowledge, and trust.
    • Other perks and amenities
  • Fiscal sponsorship support by the Foundation if your organization requires tax-exempt status in order to receive gifts and provide donors with evidence of their tax-deductible contribution.
  • Participation in peer support and learning community with fellow Incubator cohort members;
  • Access to convenings and opportunities to connect with ecosystem of grantees in other portfolios;
  • Use of our large conference room and kitchen space in Crown Heights for meetings and events;
  • Connections to interested donors and potential funders; and
  • Access to issue-focused workshops and customized capacity building opportunities.

Funding Criteria and Priorities

The Incubator Project supported organizations that:

  • Serve people and communities of Brooklyn;
  • Have a track record working on more of more of the Incubator Project’s focus areas;
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and a community-driven approach;
  • Are led by directly affected communities and people of color;
  • Have been in operation for at least a year;
  • May or not be registered as a 501(c)(3), but have:
    • A stable and committed board of directors or advisory board;
    • An operating budget of $250,000 or less.