What inspired us?
Cofounders: Olivia (left) & Jordan (right)
Our Story
In late March of 2020, as we saw countless neighborhood businesses close, unsure of their fates, we knew we needed to do something to help Brooklyn small businesses survive. After seeing one business post their Venmo account on Instagram looking for support, we had an idea. We began reaching out to local businesses and encouraging them to create donation platforms for themselves and their teams, which we then publicized on our own social media and website. People could now donate directly to their favorite coffee shop, or virtually tip a server or bartender, or even remind their Friday-night date spot how much they miss them. Our aim was to create a cohesive space for our neighbors to come together and support the community.
It was quickly apparent that the government relief package was not going to be enough to support small businesses and that many of our friends and neighbors would lose their livelihoods. In April 2020, we decided to take the steps to officially incorporate as a non-profit organization, realizing this would allow us to have a greater impact on the businesses that needed the most help. After many sleepless nights shaping the organization, we were granted 501(c)(3) status, and were better able to mobilize. We recognize that small businesses are an important cultural force in their neighborhoods, often providing more than jobs. It is our imperative to support these small businesses and their communities. We further aim to serve our community by paying particular attention to small businesses owned by women, black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2020 and 2021, we provided relief to small businesses and their teams that were facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We prioritized providing assistance to individuals that did not otherwise have the resources to maintain a small business during a crisis, and that contributed substantial social and cultural value to their local communities. We distributed $91,200 in aid to small businesses across a variety of sectors, but especially focused on the hospitality industry. We also provided grants to 5 individuals that worked back-of-house restaurant jobs during the pandemic, and that were not eligible for other forms of assistance.
Now, we look to further our relationships within the NYC food and hospitality industries, and to provide an avenue for restaurants to reduce their food waste that goes to landfills. By developing a community composting program that enables restaurants to ethically dispose of scraps without worrying about pests or unreliable pickups, we know that restaurants can take on an important role in community food sovereignty and security projects. In the coming months, we hope to develop a community garden and composting program that simultaneously reduces the amount of food waste in landfills, and increases the availability of fresh and nutritious produce in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
About Us
Olivia is currently pursuing her MS in Environmental Sustainability at CUNY City College. Before returning to school, she worked for many years in NYC’s food industry- as a server, baker, pastry chef, and manager at an ice cream factory. Brooklyn Donates combines her love of the food industry with her belief that it can become more sustainable.
Jordan is currently pursuing her MPH at CUNY’s School of Public Health. She has a background in biology, and works for a tech startup. She loves nature, and is always looking for ways to make the built environment more green. Jordan hopes that Brooklyn Donates will be a force in transforming NYC into a greener and healthier city by better connecting restaurants and individuals alike with the food system.