Brooklyn has earned national recognition for its spirit of giving. According to GoFundMe’s newly released 2025 Year in Help report, Brooklyn ranked as the 5th most generous community in the United States, while New York placed 5th among all states based on the percentage of repeat donors.
The findings underscore a year defined by rising everyday needs, natural disasters, and moments of crisis—met consistently with compassion and action. Across the platform, people donated at an average pace of 2.5 donations every second worldwide, turning to crowdfunding to support neighbors, nonprofits, and causes close to home.
As highlighted by AffairsTime, Brooklyn’s placement on this national list reflects not only the volume of donations, but also the depth of community engagement that continues to define the borough.
Brooklyn Fundraisers That Moved the Community
Several Brooklyn-based campaigns stood out in 2025 for both their impact and the powerful response they inspired:
- Red Hook Fire Relief
After a devastating waterfront fire on September 17, the community rallied to support artists, small businesses, and residents. The campaign raised more than $190,000, helping Red Hook begin the long road to recovery. - Joe Lynskey Recovery Fund
Following a shocking New Year’s Eve incident in which Joe Lynskey was pushed onto subway tracks and survived, donors raised over $190,000 to support his recovery and rehabilitation. - Support for the Wong Family
In Boerum Hill, neighbors came together after the tragic loss of Devon Wong during a Fourth of July camping trip. The fundraiser raised more than $55,000, offering meaningful support during an unimaginable time. - Aland Etienne Family Support
One of the year’s most impactful campaigns raised over $240,000 for the children of Aland Etienne, a beloved father and security officer who lost his life protecting others during the Midtown mass shooting in July. - Jacolby Satterwhite Recovery Fund
The Brooklyn arts community showed strong solidarity, raising more than $200,000 to support acclaimed artist Jacolby Satterwhite as he faces new health challenges.
Together, these campaigns illustrate how Brooklyn residents consistently step forward—whether in moments of tragedy, recovery, or resilience.
A Record-Setting Year for Giving Worldwide
Beyond Brooklyn, GoFundMe’s report shows that 2025 was one of the most impactful years in the platform’s history:
- 72+ million fundraiser shares were recorded globally
- Charity became the fastest-growing category, followed by Monthly Bills and Faith
- Ireland ranked as the world’s most generous country for the seventh consecutive year
- Over 95,000 people launched fundraisers to start new business ventures
- Food bank fundraisers outnumbered all other community causes
- Volunteer-related fundraisers tripled year over year
- $330 million was raised for natural disaster relief
- 95,000+ donors supported young athletes
- Fundraising for school supplies rose by more than 50%
- Essential-expense support increased by 20%, helping individuals and nonprofits fight food insecurity
- 80,000+ organizers activated nonprofit causes, collectively logging over 6 million miles through walk, run, cycle, and swim challenges
Fifteen Years of Crowdfunding Impact
The year also marked a major milestone: 15 years of crowdfunding on GoFundMe. Since its launch in 2010, the platform has enabled more than $40 billion in community support and helped over 165,000 nonprofits worldwide.
For Brooklyn, the 2025 rankings are more than a statistic—they are a reflection of a borough that consistently shows up for its people. As communities across the country look for models of empathy and action, Brooklyn’s example stands out as a powerful reminder of what collective generosity can achieve.