Through the largest single grant yet from the Nextdoor Foundation, more neighbors will connect over shared meals, building stronger more connected communities across the country

In a first of its kind initiative aimed at connecting neighbors and revitalizing community bonds, The Longest Table and Nextdoor Foundation are teaming up to connect neighbors across the country through shared meals.

The Longest Table all started with a post on the Nextdoor app that inspired the first Longest Table in 2022. Now, united by a belief in the power of real-world connection, the two organizations are joining forces to expand The Longest Table’s impact nationwide. With support from the largest single grant yet provided by the Nextdoor Foundation to a single nonprofit, this collaboration will help bring the joy and connection of free communal potlucks to neighborhoods across the country – turning strangers into neighbors, one meal at a time.

The Longest Table, which has been spotlighted by Good Morning America and the New York Post, has a simple but powerful premise: gather neighbors at a long table in a public space to share food and spark connection. Past events have drawn thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, including a 1,000-person intergenerational potluck in Chelsea, NYC last year.

"Partnering with Nextdoor Foundation is a full circle moment,” said Maryam Banikarim, Co-Founder of The Longest Table. “Little did I know after first posting about this idea on Nextdoor back in 2022, it would resonate so universally and even travel the world. Now, with Nextdoor Foundation's support we can expand our impact and enable communities everywhere to connect to those nearby."

The grant marks a shared commitment to combatting the “loneliness epidemic” and community disconnection through grassroots action. Research compiled by The Longest Table at previous neighborhood events showed measurable impact on community members:

• 79% reported feeling less lonely
• 82% felt inspired to get involved locally
• 87% of attendees connected with new people
• 90% said they feel more positive about their neighborhood

“The Longest Table is doing vital work to bridge the gap between neighbors and build a stronger sense of community for all,” said Kelsey Grady, President of the Nextdoor Foundation. “We're proud to support this amazing nonprofit that helps people connect neighbors face-to-face to build stronger local community bonds.”

Neighbors, community leaders, and local organizations interested in hosting a potluck can visit www.longesttablecommunity.org to learn more and get involved.

About The Longest Table

The Longest Table, an initiative of NYCNext (501c3), brings neighbors together for shared meals in open spaces where everyone belongs. In our increasingly disconnected world, we're rebuilding community one table at a time—fostering human connection, reducing loneliness and reminding us of what we share rather than what divides us. Learn more at www.longesttablecommunity.org.

About Nextdoor Foundation

Inspired by the neighborhood connections fostered by Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NXDR), Nextdoor Foundation was founded with a simple belief: small acts of support can spark big changes in communities and is backed by various funders, including Nextdoor’s co-founders. We partner with trusted nonprofits and local leaders who are already doing incredible work to bring neighbors together and build stronger, kinder communities. Through collaborations with fellow 501(c)(3) organizations, we identify and support the initiatives that help people connect, support one another, and create places where everyone belongs.

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