irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $95KCommunity Planning & Preservation:The Brooklyn Heights Association plays an advisory role on historic preservation issues that come before the community board and landmarks preservation commission. The BHA also advocates on behalf of the community on issues pertaining to land use planning, infrastructure needs and real estate development, and as necessary, will initiate legal action to achieve its land use and development objectives.
- #2 $80KCommunity Maintenance and improvement:The Brooklyn Heights Association helps fund the planting and maintenance of street trees and of the gardens on the Brooklyn Heights promenade and informs the community of proper tree maintenance practices.
named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
BHA Dog Show
Annual community event celebrating pets and bringing together local residents.
Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse
Biennial fundraising event showcasing interior design talent in historic homes.
Community Maintenance and Improvement
Funds and supports the planting and maintenance of street trees and gardens on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade; promotes tree care education.
Community Planning & Preservation
Advises on historic preservation, land use planning, and real estate development; advocates before city agencies and may initiate legal action to protect neighborhood interests.
Public Outreach
Keeps residents informed via email, public meetings, and newsletters; acts as liaison between government agencies and the community.
The Longest Table
Community dinner event fostering neighborly connections and civic engagement.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Public Space Beautification and Maintenance 2 activities
- Capacity building for public space stewardshipLaunched the Promenade Gardens Conservancy, a public-private partnership, to ensure the ongoing maintenance and stewardship of the landscaping along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
- Neighborhood beautification and urban greeningFunds and coordinates the planting and maintenance of street trees and gardens, including over 10,000 daffodils and 2,000 tulips in Cadman and Whitman Parks, and planted 1,081 London Plane trees to enhance the urban canopy along the Promenade.
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Historic Site Designation Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocacy for historic preservation and land use planningProvides advisory input on historic preservation matters to community boards and landmarks commissions, advocates for community interests in land use, infrastructure, and real estate development, and engages in legal action when necessary to protect neighborhood character.
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Neighborhood Civic Engagement 1 activity
- Community information and resident liaison servicesProvides information to residents, communicates community issues via email and public meetings, follows up on quality-of-life concerns using 311 systems, and serves as a liaison between city agencies and the community.
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Capital Infrastructure Funding 1 activity
- Funding community improvement projectsProvides grants to support public space improvements, including funding the Parks Department for an irrigation system in the Promenade Gardens and financing tree planting initiatives.
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Community-Engaged Public Art Projects 1 activity
- Historic and cultural programmingProduces biennial designer showhouse events and short films featuring local residents and business owners to engage the community and support local initiatives.
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Food Distribution and Hunger Relief 1 activity
- Operating and supporting community fridges and food access initiativesOrganizes volunteer efforts to prepare and deliver over 100 sandwiches weekly for the Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge, and supports food access through the installation and community engagement around the operation of a community fridge.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organizing community events and volunteer programsOrganizes recurring community events such as the Halloween Parade, Egg Hunt, Spring Into Service day, The Longest Table, annual dog show, and holiday toy drive, along with volunteer opportunities for event support, beautification, and donation drives to strengthen neighborhood engagement.
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Business Improvement District Management 1 activity
- Supporting local businesses and economic vitalitySupports local businesses through initiatives like the Neighborhood Partners Program, which offers exclusive discounts to members, and played a foundational role in establishing the Montague Street Business Improvement District.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$527K
Contributions & grants$495K94%
Program service revenue$11K2%
Investment income$21K4%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$447K
Program expenses71%
Admin / overhead23%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$259K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$841K
Cash$287K
Investments$0
Liabilities$50K
Net assets$790K
Liquid reserves7.7 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +372.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara Birnback | Executive Dir. | 40 | $128K |
board members · 17
- April Somboun — Board Member
- Carolyn Kramer — Board Member
- Christian F Bastian — Board Member
- Christopher Melling — Secretary
- Cynthia McLaughlin — Board Member
- Elizabeth Mallow — Board Member
- Jake Brooks — Board Member
- Jane Platt — Board Member
- Jennifer Larusso Leung — Board Member
- Jeremy Lechtzin — Vice President
- John Macintosh — Board Member
- Jordan Tamagni — Board Member
- Koren Volk — President
- Lisa Dince — Board Member
- Lorraine Bonaventura — Board Member
- Raoul Bhavnani — Board Member
- Susan Restler — Treasurer
relationships · 42
Who they work with
- Barry’s Partner — BHA partner offering first class free to BHA members
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund Partner — Collaborated with the BHA on advocacy efforts related to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Brooklyn Roasting Company Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off all orders to BHA members
- Brooklyn Women’s Exchange Partner — Collaborates on community events and celebrations in Brooklyn Heights.
- Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Environmental Justice Coalition Coalition — Member organization advocating collectively for transformative solutions to the BQE corridor.
- Citibin Partner — BHA partner offering 10% discount to BHA members
- Collyer’s Mansion Partner — BHA partner offering one-time 10% off (excluding sales items) to BHA members
- Community Board Government — Receives advisory input from Brooklyn Heights Association Inc on land use and preservation issues.
- Community Board 2 Partner — Works with the BHA to address quality of life and city service issues in Brooklyn Heights.
- Councilmember Lincoln Restler Partner — Local elected official the BHA directs residents to for addressing district-level concerns.
- Diem Eatery Partner — BHA partner offering 10% discount to BHA members
- Din Soup Dumplings Partner — BHA partner offering free appetizer with meal to BHA members
- Drip Coffee Partner — BHA partner offering 20% off signature batch brew coffee to BHA members
- Grand Canyon Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off to individual diners with a BHA card
- Henry’s End Partner — BHA partner offering 20% off a bottle of wine to BHA members
- James Weir Floral Co Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off in-store and local delivery purchases on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to BHA members
- Jenner & Block Partner — Provided pro bono legal services for the BHA's Pier 6 litigation.
- Joe Coffee Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off after 5pm for prepared beverages and food to BHA members
- Landmarks Preservation Commission Government — Receives advisory input from Brooklyn Heights Association Inc on historic preservation matters.
- Le Meraviglie Art Partner — BHA partner offering free trial drop-in class and 10% off parties and special events to BHA members
- L’Appartement 4F Partner — BHA partner offering free coffee on Mondays with croissant purchase to BHA members
- NYC 311 Government — Primary city system through which the BHA channels and tracks resident reports of non-emergency quality of life issues.
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Government — Worked with the Commission to designate the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District.
- NYPD 84th Precinct Partner — Collaborates with the BHA on public safety through Neighborhood Coordination Officers and monthly Build the Block meetings.
- New Iris Nail Salon Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off mani/pedi combo Monday–Thursday to BHA members
- Orangetheory Partner — BHA partner offering one week free and discounted heart rate monitor upon gym membership to BHA members
- PS 8 Partner — Supported the school through community organizing and financial contributions.
- Parks Department Partner — Provided a grant to fund an irrigation system in the Promenade Gardens.
- Paws on Pineapple Partner — BHA partner offering 10% off in-store purchases on Saturday (excludes food) to BHA members
- People for Green Space Foundation Partner — Partnered with the BHA in opposing residential development at Pier 6.
+ 12 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Coalition-Based Advocacy for Environmental Justicemethodology: coalition-based environmental justice advocacyBy forming coalitions with other community groups and advocacy organizations, the Brooklyn Heights Association amplifies its influence on regional infrastructure policy, particularly around the BQE corridor, to achieve more equitable urban planning outcomes because collective action strengthens community voice in decision-making processes.
- Community-Driven Issue Escalationmethodology: community-driven issue escalationBy systematically aggregating and escalating repeated 311 complaints, the organization increases pressure on city agencies to respond to persistent quality-of-life issues because documented, collective resident input signals sustained community concern that demands official action.
- Design-Centered Community Engagementmethodology: design-centered-community-engagementBy centering local architecture and design in community programming, the organization fosters civic pride and strengthens neighborhood identity because shared appreciation of physical heritage deepens resident attachment and participation in preservation efforts.
- Legal and Advisory Intervention in Land Usemethodology: community-based advocacy and legal interventionBy providing formal advisory input to city commissions and initiating legal action when necessary, the organization protects neighborhood interests in historic preservation and land use decisions because institutional channels and legal recourse are necessary to counterbalance development pressures and enforce community standards.