The latest from Brooklyn Community Foundation ... NYC contracts ... Services for the UnderServed

Brooklyn Community Foundation has appointed Heather McGhee as the first recipient of its Fair and Just Fellowship. In that role, McGhee – the outgoing president of the public policy organization Demos – will advise the foundation on strategic grantmaking and leadership initiatives in order to promote social and racial justice throughout the borough, according to a post on the foundation’s website.

“Heather is one of the most important advocates in our country today, taking on the most important challenges confronting us all – from racial justice and economic equity, to democracy and inclusive societies,” Cecilia Clarke, president of Brooklyn Community Foundation, said in the statement.

New York City just announced nearly $40 million in new contracts for homeless services. HRA/HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) is looking to procure $1.13 million worth of housing and supportive services for people living with AIDS with Praxis Housing Initiatives, according to the City Record. Heartshare Human Services of New York currently holds 40 units of non-emergency scatter site housing that HASA wants to transfer to Praxis to help address HASA’s high volume of client demand. This negotiated acquisition would create a new contract for Praxis, according to the post.

Henry Street Settlement meanwhile landed a $12 million contract to operate a homeless shelter for adults at 282 East Third St. in Manhattan until 2022, according to the City Record. Six other organizations received similar contracts, according to another post in the City Record. They are: Help Bronx ($10.9 million) Volunteers of America of Greater New York ($1.5 million) Help Social Service Corporation ($6.8 million and $5.2 million) Lenox Hill Neighborhood House ($2.6 million) and Black Veterans for Social Justice ($6.3 million).

Andrew Zimmern and 14 other chefs got things cooking at a May 8 fundraiser for Services for the UnderServed. The event raised more than $655,000 for the New York City-based organization – a record, according to a press release. Zimmern, who is a board member of the organization, curated the celebration of food.

Send your press releases, photos, and word of your latest happenings to reporter Zach Williams at zwilliams@nynmedia.com.