Patch Picks: Brookline Non-Profits

Brookline is rich with venerable, hard-working non-profit organizations and charities. Here are five you should consider giving to.

Why: One of the oldest organizations in town, the foundation is actually behind a large part of the charitable work you see in Brookline today. From the Safety Net, a fund for struggling Brookline families with immediate needs, to the educational programs of Bountiful Brookline, an urban agriculture advocacy group, the foundations reach is as broad as it is deep. Any money you send to them will be well spent.

Brookline Emergency Food Pantry
Why: This innovative charity does its work a little differently: The needy Brookline residents who come here are called “customers” and they’re given an opportunity to “shop” for the food items they need, rather than being given a pre-selected ration. The pantry has also seen skyrocketing demand in recent years and is in need of extra support.

Why: This one-of-a-kind cultural institution operates on a bare-bones staff—just two full-time and two part-time employees—and a relatively small budget, yet manages to be one of the most active theatres in the Boston area. Because the theatre’s budget is so small, any gift helps a great deal.

Bountiful Brookline
Why: Though still new and evolving, this organization is adapting to fill a growing interest in fresh, locally grown produce, while pulling together resources and educational opportunities to help more people grown their own food at home. Giving now will help ensure they stick around.

Why: Brookline didn’t end up with its beautiful parks by accident. The preservation and restoration of the town’s parks and green spaces has been driven largely by the advocacy of friends groups like the Brookline Greenspace Alliance, which has been vigilant in making sure state and town officials follow through with their pledges to restore neglected lands. If you love our parks, consider giving.