Harlem Grown is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. Founded in 2011, the organization transforms vacant spaces into thriving urban farms, providing educational programs that address food insecurity and promote environmental stewardship within the Harlem community.
Key Strategic Focus
Harlem Grown's strategic focus centers on youth development and community empowerment through urban agriculture. The organization operates 13 urban agricultural sites, including soil-based farms, school gardens, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber, all located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem. By integrating urban farming with educational initiatives, Harlem Grown aims to combat health and socioeconomic disparities, fostering a sustainable and healthy community.
Financials and Funding
As of 2023, Harlem Grown reported revenues of approximately $5.26 million and expenses totaling $4.56 million, resulting in a net income of $699,553. The organization's funding primarily comes from contributions, accounting for 91.4% of total revenue, with program services and other income sources comprising the remainder. Notable supporters include the Rivian Foundation, which has provided grants to enhance program efficacy and scale initiatives such as after-school education, urban farming, and free meal distribution to families facing food insecurity.
Pipeline Development
Harlem Grown offers a range of programs designed to engage youth and the community:
- Intensive School Partnerships: Collaborates with local schools to provide in-school and after-school farm lessons, teaching students about nutrition, plant identification, and sustainable agriculture.
- Saturday Programming: Offers workshops, educational activities, and community events from April through October, focusing on farming, nutrition, and wellness.
- Summer Camp: A free seven-week program for children aged 7 to 14, emphasizing outdoor exploration, cooking, and food cultivation.
- Mobile Teaching Kitchen: Launched in 2021, this initiative brings cooking demonstrations and nutrition education to various Harlem events, enhancing community engagement.
- After-School Program: Provides a comprehensive, free program for K-5 students, focusing on academic support, socio-emotional learning, and nutrition education.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Harlem Grown utilizes innovative urban farming techniques, including hydroponics and vertical farming, to maximize food production in limited urban spaces. The organization's Mobile Teaching Kitchen employs interactive technology to deliver cooking demonstrations and nutrition education, making healthy living accessible and engaging for the community.
Leadership Team
- Tony Hillery, Founder and CEO: Established Harlem Grown in 2011 to address health and academic challenges in Harlem. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded to multiple urban farms and educational programs, significantly impacting the community.
- Nicole Engel, Executive Director: Joined Harlem Grown in 2021, leading the development of the organization's vision and strategic goals. She has been instrumental in expanding Harlem Grown's reach to serve over 12,000 youth annually through various programs and urban farms.
Leadership Changes
In 2021, Nicole Engel was appointed as Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and program development. Her tenure has been marked by significant growth in Harlem Grown's programs and community impact.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The urban agriculture and youth development sectors are experiencing growth, driven by increasing awareness of food insecurity and the benefits of sustainable practices. Organizations like Harlem Grown play a crucial role in addressing these issues through community-based initiatives.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include:
- GrowNYC: Focuses on environmental programs, including community gardens and youth education, promoting sustainable living in New York City.
- City Growers: Provides educational programs on urban agriculture and environmental sustainability, primarily targeting youth in urban settings.
These organizations share similar missions but differ in program scope, geographic focus, and operational scale.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Harlem Grown collaborates with various partners to enhance its programs and reach:
- Rivian Foundation: Supports Harlem Grown's efforts to measure program efficacy and scale initiatives, including after-school education and free meal distribution.
- Local Schools: Engages in intensive partnerships to provide in-school and after-school farm lessons, integrating urban agriculture into the educational curriculum.
Operational Insights
Harlem Grown's strategic considerations include:
- Community-Centric Approach: Tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of the Harlem community, ensuring relevance and impact.
- Sustainable Practices: Implementing environmentally friendly farming techniques to promote sustainability and serve as a model for urban agriculture.
- Educational Integration: Embedding urban farming and nutrition education into school curricula to foster long-term healthy habits among youth.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Harlem Grown aims to:
- Expand Program Reach: Increase the number of youth and community members served through existing and new programs.
- Enhance Program Depth: Provide more extensive programming hours and develop new initiatives to deepen community engagement.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with organizations and stakeholders to amplify impact and resource sharing.
Contact Information
- Website: www.harlemgrown.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/harlemgrown
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/harlemgrown
- Twitter: twitter.com/harlemgrown
Harlem Grown's commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable urban agriculture, and community development positions it as a pivotal organization in addressing food insecurity and promoting health and wellness in Harlem.
