In a year marked by both rising everyday needs and devastating natural disasters, the spirit of community generosity shone brighter than ever across the United States. GoFundMe’s newly released 2025 Year in Help report paints a compelling picture of a nation turning to collective action, and one New York borough, in particular, has cemented its reputation as a champion of neighborly support.
Brooklyn, New York, has officially ranked as the 5th most generous community in the entire United States. This stellar ranking is not just a point of pride for residents; it’s a powerful testament to the compassion woven into the fabric of the borough.
Furthermore, the State of New York itself claimed the 5th spot among all states based on the percentage of repeat donors, demonstrating that for New Yorkers, generosity is not a one-time act but a consistent commitment. As we often observe at NY Buzz, when crisis strikes, New Yorkers rally together with unparalleled speed and heart.
The Power of Neighbors: Brooklyn Campaigns That Defined 2025
GoFundMe’s report underscored that globally, a staggering average of 2.5 donations were made every second. This continuous flow of support highlights how crowdfunding has become an essential tool for Americans to strengthen nonprofits, support neighbors, and respond to crises—both massive and deeply personal.
In Brooklyn, several campaigns stood out for their incredible impact and the speed of the community response:
- Red Hook Fire Relief: Following the major waterfront fire on September 17, the community campaign to support affected artists, residents, and small businesses raised a massive sum of over $190,000.
- Aland Etienne Family Support: This deeply moving campaign rallied the city behind the children of Etienne, a beloved security officer who tragically died protecting others during the Midtown mass shooting in July. Donors raised more than $240,000.
- Joe Lynskey Recovery Fund: After surviving the terrifying experience of being pushed onto subway tracks on New Year’s Eve, Lynskey’s fund received immense support, raising more than $190,000.
- Jacolby Satterwhite Recovery Fund: The acclaimed Brooklyn artist faced new health challenges, prompting the community to raise over $200,000 for his recovery.
- Support for the Wong Family: The Boerum Hill community showed profound solidarity, raising over $55,000 after the tragic loss of their son, Devon, during a Fourth of July camping trip.
These local efforts showcase the immediate, tangible difference that collective giving makes when a neighbor is in desperate need.
A Global Year of Record-Breaking Generosity
The local successes in New York reflect a broader, global trend of unprecedented charitable activity on the platform. 2025 was a record-setting year for GoFundMe, marking 15 years since the platform’s founding in 2010, which has since enabled over $40 billion in community support.
Key global takeaways from the report include:
- Record Engagement: The year saw over 72 million fundraiser shares, amplifying stories and needs across the globe.
- Fastest-Growing Categories: The top three fastest-growing categories were Charity, followed by Monthly Bills and Faith.
- Focus on Essentials: Support for essential expenses like food and utilities increased by 20%, with more fundraisers created for food banks than for any other community cause.
- Disaster Relief: The platform raised an incredible $330 million for natural disaster relief efforts worldwide, demonstrating a global willingness to aid communities in crisis.
- Entrepreneurship and Education: Over 95,000 people launched fundraisers for new business ventures, and fundraising for school supplies rose by more than 50%.
While Brooklyn proved to be a powerhouse of giving, the global champion remained Ireland, which was recognized as the most generous country for the seventh year in a row.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 GoFundMe report is more than a list of statistics; it’s a profound affirmation of human compassion. From a single parent needing help with monthly bills to a large-scale fire relief effort in Red Hook, the ability of individuals to connect, donate, and uplift others is stronger than ever. Brooklyn’s rank as a top-five community confirms that the spirit of ‘help thy neighbor’ is alive and well in the United States, providing a hopeful outlook for the years to come.
