Proof of Usefulness Report

Grow Brooklyn Inc.

Analysis completed on 1/24/2026

+416
Proof of Usefulness Score
Certified Problem Solver

Grow Brooklyn Inc. is a verified, established non-profit (founded 2001) providing high-utility financial services (tax prep, foreclosure prevention) to thousands of low-income residents annually. While the project possesses strong real-world utility and verified traction (top 50 VITA provider, ~$1.5M annual revenue), the submission quality was extremely poor ('StarBlade', 'most people have used my product'), lacking specific evidence and relying on vague claims. The project scores high on utility and verified traction but low on technical innovation and response quality.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+22.5
Audience Reach Impact+4.0
Technical Innovation+0.75
Evidence Of Traction+10.0
Market Timing Relevance+8.5
Functional Completeness+0.5
Subtotal+46.25
Usefulness Multiplierx0.9
Final Score+416

Project Details

Project URL
Description
We are a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization whose mission is to enable members of the community to preserve and grow their assets, thereby securing their economic future. We serve the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Bushwick, Crown Heights, East New York, Williamsburg and other working class neighborhoods in Kings and Queens Counties in New York City with a narrow, yet heavily demanded, set of services. These services are available in English or Spanish and are free or low-cost. Our key programs include: 1. VITA program – providing thousands of Brooklyn residents each year with free tax preparation services, securing millions of dollars in tax benefits. 2. Foreclosure prevention – counseling and representing homeowners towards the resolution of troubled home loans. Our counselors and attorneys have served about a thousand clients, resulting in the saving of hundreds of homes. 3. End of life planning (“Protect Your Treasure”) – assisting residents with the documentation they need to ensure their assets are passed seamlessly and with little cost to their heirs.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline