Brooklyn is more than just towering brownstones and trendy cafes – it’s a hub of resilience and activism driven by community-rooted organizations.
Across its diverse neighborhoods, grassroots movements have long been the backbone of change, addressing issues from housing rights to environmental justice.
In fact, according to the Urban Institute, over 70% of impactful local initiatives in U.S. cities originate from community-based organizations, highlighting the power of grassroots efforts.
In Brooklyn, these organizations aren’t just filling gaps left by policy—they’re shaping the future of their communities.
1. Crown Heights Tenant Union (CHTU)
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Founded: 2013
Focus: Tenant rights, anti-gentrification, housing justice
In a rapidly gentrifying Crown Heights, CHTU emerged as a grassroots force defending residents from displacement. Through direct action, legal advocacy, and organizing tenant associations, CHTU has organized over 200 buildings, helping tenants fight illegal evictions, rent hikes, and landlord harassment.
Their impact extends to influencing New York State rent reform laws, which strengthened protections for millions of tenants. CHTU’s model emphasizes empowering tenants with knowledge of their rights, equipping them to challenge injustices. Their public meetings and workshops not only mobilize resistance but also build long-term community resilience.
2. El Puente
Founded: 1982
Focus: Youth empowerment, environmental justice, arts & culture
El Puente—Spanish for “The Bridge”—is a cultural and environmental powerhouse in Williamsburg. Blending art, activism, and education, El Puente engages youth through leadership programs, environmental campaigns, and cultural performances.
Their Green Light District initiative transformed parts of South Williamsburg into a hub for sustainability, with urban gardens, tree planting, and air-quality monitoring. El Puente’s emphasis on art as a tool for activism has earned it national recognition. Their Youth Leadership Academy grooms future community leaders, while environmental justice campaigns have pressured industries to reduce harmful emissions in vulnerable neighborhoods.
3. Audre Lorde Project
Focus: LGBTQ+ justice, economic empowerment, anti-policing initiatives
Based in Fort Greene, the Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is dedicated to building power among LGBTQ+ people of color. Named after the Black lesbian poet and activist, ALP focuses on intersectional justice, addressing race, gender, immigration, and economic disparities.
Their programs include TransJustice, which advocates for the rights and safety of trans and gender non-conforming individuals, and Safe OUTside the System, which promotes community-based safety over policing. ALP’s economic justice work has also helped create cooperative businesses and provided training for entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.
This blend of activism and skill-building highlights the broader importance of education and professional development in sustaining social justice efforts. Many grassroots leaders pursue advanced degrees, such as accredited DSW programs (Doctor of Social Work), to deepen their impact and develop systemic solutions to complex social issues. These programs equip changemakers with the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that strengthen community-based organizations and expand their reach.
Impact Insight: A recent survey showed a 25% increase in resource access for LGBTQ+ residents in Brooklyn neighborhoods served by ALP.
4. 462 Halsey Community Farm
Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant
Focus: Food justice, sustainability, urban agriculture
What was once an abandoned lot is now a lush, thriving urban farm that promotes food sovereignty and environmental education. Managed by local volunteers, 462 Halsey Community Farm produces fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits distributed to residents.
The farm is more than a food source—it’s a gathering place offering workshops on composting, permaculture, and climate resilience. Each year, it produces over 2,000 pounds of organic produce, directly addressing food insecurity in Bed-Stuy. Their community composting program also diverts waste from landfills and promotes sustainable living
5. Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Founded: 2009
Focus: Environmental restoration, stormwater management, green infrastructure
The Gowanus Canal, once one of the most polluted waterways in the U.S., is now a focal point for environmental activism thanks to this organization. The Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) has mobilized thousands of volunteers to plant over 5,000 trees, build 20+ rain gardens, and remove invasive species.
Their educational programs train residents in green infrastructure practices, such as rainwater harvesting and native plantings, to reduce stormwater runoff into the canal. GCC also partners with city agencies to influence zoning and development plans, ensuring that environmental justice remains central to the Gowanus neighborhood’s revitalization.
6. North Brooklyn Neighbors
Origin: Merged from Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks and Planning & Neighbors Allied for Good Growth
Focus: Environmental justice, public health, community planning
Serving Greenpoint and Williamsburg, North Brooklyn Neighbors champions environmental health, community resilience, and equitable development. Their work includes air-quality monitoring projects, community mapping for environmental hazards, and public workshops on navigating rezoning and construction projects.
During the COVID-19 crisis, they distributed essential supplies and information in multiple languages to underserved communities, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to public well-being.
7. Brooklyn For Peace
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Founded: 1984
Focus: Peace, social justice, anti-war advocacy
With over three decades of activism, Brooklyn For Peace is a cornerstone of social justice organizing in Brooklyn. They organize protests, public forums, and educational workshops addressing issues like militarization, economic inequality, and human rights violations.
They’ve mobilized thousands for anti-war protests and played a critical role in campaigns advocating for nuclear disarmament and fair immigration policies. Their educational initiatives also focus on connecting global issues to local actions, emphasizing solidarity and systemic change.
8. Bay Ridge Cares
Focus: Crisis response, community support, disaster relief
Born from Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, Bay Ridge Cares exemplifies community solidarity. They offer micro-grants to local families, organize neighborhood cleanups, and provide critical support during emergencies, including meal deliveries and mutual aid networks.
Their focus on hyper-local action has made them a trusted resource in southern Brooklyn, especially during times of crisis.
9. The Layout
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Location: Fort Greene
Focus: Black community empowerment, cultural celebration
The Layout creates inclusive spaces for Black Brooklynites to gather, celebrate, and organize. Their events—ranging from music festivals to wellness workshops—uplift Black-owned businesses and foster economic empowerment.
They emphasize joy as a form of resistance, countering systemic injustices with community-driven cultural expressions. Their work is a testament to the power of community spaces in promoting resilience and pride.
10. Brooklyn Community Services (BCS)
Founded: 1866
Focus: Comprehensive social services, economic inclusion, mental health support
BCS stands as one of Brooklyn’s oldest and most comprehensive human services providers. Through over 50 programs, BCS supports low-income families with mental health counseling, housing assistance, job training, and youth services.
They assist over 2,500 households annually with housing support and serve 4,000+ individuals through mental health programs. Their initiatives not only address immediate needs but also create pathways to long-term stability.
Conclusion
These ten organizations represent the heart of Brooklyn’s grassroots energy. They’re not just filling gaps left by public services—they’re redefining what community care, empowerment, and resilience look like in an urban setting. Whether it’s advocating for tenant rights, fighting environmental injustice, or nurturing cultural pride, these groups prove that local action drives lasting change.
Are you ready to get involved? Join a workshop, attend an event, or support these organizations to be part of Brooklyn’s transformative journey.
