As 2025 draws to a close, Brooklyn nonprofits face unprecedented challenges due to increasing demand for services alongside significant funding losses. Local organizations, including the Campaign Against Hunger, are feeling the impact of federal funding cuts at a time when more families are relying on their aid.
At the Campaign Against Hunger’s facility in East New York, staff members are busy preparing bags of produce for distribution. Founder and CEO Dr. Melony Samuels noted that the need for programs like the Cyber Pantry has surged, especially as winter approaches. “It’s winter now; families cannot stand in line. It’s very difficult for those with wheelchairs. We are able to go door to door,” she explained.
This year has been particularly tough for the Campaign Against Hunger, which has lost $3.3 million in government funding. “It’s a sad story, but 2025 has been the most difficult year for the Campaign Against Hunger,” Samuels remarked. The loss in funding forced the organization to reduce its service frequency, shifting from providing food every two weeks to a monthly schedule.
The challenges faced by the Campaign Against Hunger reflect a broader trend among nonprofits in Brooklyn. A recent survey conducted by Brooklyn Org revealed that 94% of local organizations reported an increase in demand for services compared to the previous year, while 60% indicated they had lost federal funding.
“The struggle many nonprofits face is exacerbated by federal cuts, which also affect city funding,” said Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. In response to these pressing needs, Brooklyn Org has initiated a campaign to raise $5 million to help fill the funding gaps.
Progress on this campaign has been encouraging, with Rainey stating, “Brooklyn really delivered. We are already halfway to our goal.” So far, 16 local nonprofits have received a total of $1.5 million in grants, including $135,000 for the Campaign Against Hunger. “It is definitely a lifeline, not just for us, but for the 12,000 families that we serve every week,” Samuels added.
Another beneficiary, Churches United for Fair Housing, received $45,000 to support its efforts against poverty and displacement. Executive Director and co-founder Rob Solano highlighted that the organization has faced uncertainty following the loss of a federal grant earlier this year. Despite these challenges, Solano emphasized that the Brooklyn Org grant is crucial for maintaining operations. “We can use that money to ensure that our programs do not skip a beat,” he stated.
Rainey believes the campaign’s success demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting one another. “I think we all know intrinsically that if our neighbors are struggling, then we’re struggling. All quality of life is better if people are doing better,” she said.
Looking ahead, Brooklyn Org aims to increase its community grantmaking by 25% in the coming year, hoping to further assist local organizations in meeting the growing needs of Brooklyn residents.
