Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has launched the second annual Community Baby Shower Fund, making $50,000 available to support community-led baby showers for new and expecting parents in Brooklyn. Local nonprofits can apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursed funding for non-personnel expenses related to hosting these events before May 31, 2026.
The initiative continues Reynoso’s focus on improving maternal health outcomes in Brooklyn. Last year’s inaugural fund provided $50,000 to ten local nonprofits that organized community baby showers between July 2024 and May 2025. These events included workshops, distribution of essentials such as diapers and baby blankets, and connections to community resources.
“It was incredible to see the first annual Community Baby Shower Fund in action. Across the borough, community members came together to celebrate and uplift families welcoming our newest Brooklynites into the world,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “These baby showers bring neighbors together and offer resources and support in Black, Brown, and low-income communities that have long been underserved. I’m proud to bring the Community Baby Shower Fund back for another year and continue fighting for safer pregnancies, healthier outcomes, and stronger support systems for new parents.”
Organizations that received funding last year included the Brooklyn Public Library Macon Branch (Bed-Stuy), Expecting Relief (Bushwick), Hope Empowerment and Development Zone (East New York), Moms for Moms (Sunset Park), NIA Community Services Network (Coney Island), Rewrite Corp (Brownsville), Kiwanis Club of Kings Plaza Canarsie (Canarsie), Hope and Healing Family Center (Bushwick), Jewish Childcare Association of New York (Flatbush), and Power of Two (Brownsville).
Helena Grant, Co-Chair of Brooklyn Borough President’s Maternal Health Task Force and Senior Advisor Midwifery Initiatives at NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said: “The Brooklyn Borough President’s steadfast realization that crucial, financial, social, and health-related support is needed for new and expecting families – and not just through a one-time offering – speaks to his desire to not only provide essential supplies, foster community connections, and offer access to healthcare resources, but to ultimately promote the well-being of both parents and babies. Maternal health is deeply connected to addressing social determinants of health. I am grateful to stand by his side as we continue to address issues both large and small, working to one day see parents thrive as they expand their families.”
Dr. Wendy Wilcox of New York City Health + Hospitals added: “New York City Health + Hospitals is proud to support the Brooklyn Community Baby Shower, an event that nurtures healthier beginnings for mothers, babies, and families. By providing education, essential resources, and a network of community support, we are helping to improve equity in maternal and infant health. Together we can ensure that every baby is welcomed into a strong informed empowered community paving the way for healthier outcomes for generations to come.”
Ronald Richter from Jewish Childcare Association of New York commented: “JCCA’s East Flatbush Community Partnership is deeply grateful to Borough President Antonio Reynoso for funding our Community Baby Shower. We are proud to support expectant families by providing essential infant items connecting them to vital community resources And offering expert insights through our doula panel discussion Thank you BP Reynoso for helping build a strong network of support for Brooklyn parents.”
Naomi Lehrer from Kiwanis Club of Kings Plaza Canarsie noted: “When we found out that Canarsie Brooklyn has the highest maternal mortality morbidity rate in NY & one of highest US this spoke Kiwanis mission focused on improving communities serving children worldwide The Canarsie Community Baby Shower was a way Kiwanis educate provide resources while celebrating new expecting moms welcoming their children our newest community members”
Coleen Stevens Porcher from Power of Two stated: “Borough President Reynoso’s funding is crucial allowing us connect with families who benefit parent support we offer caregivers young children through highly effective Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-Up ABC program It lifechanging & we deeply grateful have support fulfill our mission”
To be eligible for this year’s fund nonprofits must hold 501(c)3 status match requested funds show service history in targeted neighborhoods serve prenatal/postnatal individuals have experience organizing similar events & host their event between July 21 2025 & May 31 2026 Priority will be given organizations serving neighborhoods with high maternal mortality rates such as Bedford-Stuyvesant Brownsville Bushwick Canarsie Coney Island Crown Heights East Flatbush East New York Flatbush/Midwood Sunset Park
Applications are open until funds run out Details about eligibility requirements application forms can be found at https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/departments/budget/
The fund builds on other efforts led by Borough President Reynoso since he formed a Maternal Health Task Force in April 2022 composed mainly of Black women OBGYNs nurses midwives mental health advocates nonprofit leaders The task force aims improve pregnancy outcomes especially among Black Brown residents
In summer 2022 Reynoso dedicated his entire fiscal year capital budget—$45 million—to upgrade maternal healthcare facilities at three public hospitals across Brooklyn These included renovations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County South Brooklyn Health Woodhull Hospital Safety-net hospital Brookdale also received more than $1 million https://www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov/press-releases/brooklyn-borough-president-antonio-reynoso-announces-1045000-in-fy24-capital-funding-for-brookdale-hospital-medical-center-nicu-renovation/
Other projects include distributing ‘Born in Brooklyn’ baby boxes via Met Council running public education campaigns about healthy pregnancy organizing expos on maternal health topics & launching partnerships like an advanced certificate program with Brooklyn College focusing on perinatal mental health—the first such credential offered statewide
