In their new white paper, The Foundation of Our Future, Brooklyn Org documents the evolution of a community foundation that has deliberately reimagined its role—not simply as a grantmaker, but as a catalyst for cultivating the next generation of Brooklyn givers.
When the federal funding and policy landscape shifted abruptly at the beginning of the second Trump administration in 2025, a coalition of nonprofit intermediaries formed to meet the moment, lift up and generate resources to address sector needs. This new “network of networks” has reduced duplication, increased coordination, and amplified our collective voice.
The philanthropy field seeks to advance long-term systemic change, yet much of its giving has been short-term, restricted, and episodic. These approaches are misaligned with the sustained, flexible funding nonprofit organizations need to make real and lasting impact.
Eileen Farbman, co-founder and board co-chair of the Kolibri Foundation, sits down with consultant Molly Schultz Hafid for an open and detailed walk-through of Kolibri’s journey from a traditional family foundation to one intentionally designed to share decision-making power with movement and community-rooted leaders.
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