Brooklyn Community Foundation's Incubator Project Offers Free Co-Working Space and $5,000 Grant for Start-Up Nonprofits

Brooklyn Community Foundation's Incubator Project Offers Free Co-Working Space and $5,000 Grant for Start-Up Nonprofits

Brooklyn Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 18-month Incubator Project, which will award up to five emerging, innovative organizations with free co-working space and a $5,000 grant for general operating costs.

Applications are being accepted through 5PM on Friday, May 10, 2019 at https://www.brooklyncommunityfoundation.org/brooklyn-accelerator/incubator-program/how-apply.

The Incubator Project supports early-stage nonprofits, community groups, and community leaders working to advance equity and racial justice in one or more of the following focus areas: Arts and Culture, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, Gender Justice, Housing Rights, Immigrant Rights, Reproductive Justice, and Worker Rights.

Award Details

Groups selected for the Incubator Project will receive:

• 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 starting June 1, 2019 for up to 3 staff members or volunteers as well as access to its community events, lunches, happy hours, workshops, and industry working groups;
   
• Fiscal sponsorship support from Brooklyn Community Foundation;
• Participation in peer support and learning community with fellow Incubator Project members;
   
• Access to convenings and capacity-building workshops with other Brooklyn Community Foundation grantees;
   
• Use of Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Crown Heights headquarters for meetings and events.

Timeline                                                             

·         Friday, April 26, 2019 from 3-5:00PM: In-Person Information Session

·         Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 12-1:30PM: Information Session Webinar

·         Friday, May 10, 2019 at 5PM: Applications Due

·         Wednesday, May 22 – Friday, May 24, 2019: Interviews

·         Friday, May 31, 2019: Groups selected and announced

Priority for the Incubator Project will be given to nonprofits, community organizations, and leaders that serve Brooklyn’s communities; 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; have a stable and committed board of directors or advisory board; and have an operating budget of $250,000 or less.

The Incubator Project is a signature program of Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Brooklyn Accelerator, a hub of information, idea exchange, and gathering of philanthropic resources across the borough.