Community Development Champions

We believe that strong communities are the foundation of a prosperous society. Through our Community Development Grants Program, we provide funding for nonprofits that are making a difference in low- and moderate-income communities.
Applications for the 2024 program are now closed.

Learn more about the following two opportunities as part of our program:

The Equity Builders Initiative

Multi-year Unrestricted Grants

Through more than 50 meetings with nonprofit partners in 2023, we heard an urgent need for trust-based, multi-year, general operating grants.

As a result, we are introducing our new Equity Builders Initiative, which will award more than $1 million in unrestricted funding over three years to each selected organization.

Eligible organizations must serve New York City, Hudson and Essex Counties in New Jersey, or Salt Lake City, UT.
 

The Change Makers Initiative

LMI Homeownership Focused Grant

In addition to the new Equity Builders Initiative, we are also continuing our practice of offering 1-year program-related grants. This year we are focusing on homeownership for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households.

Select organizations will receive a one-time grant up to $200,000 towards their homeownership initiative.

Eligible organizations must serve New York City, Hudson and Essex Counties in New Jersey, or Salt Lake City, UT.

What is a Community Development Champion?
An organization in partnership with Goldman Sachs that helps address critical community needs in LMI neighborhoods in New York, New Jersey and Utah:
Affordable Housing

Access to affordable, safe and stable housing.

Community Services

Social services, education, job training and community development.

Small Business Development

Catalytic capital and philanthropic focus on economic development, particularly for underserved small businesses.

Neighborhood Revitalization

Activities that help attract new, or retain existing, businesses or residents.

Community Development Champions Initiatives Details

2024 Applications Closed

These competitive initiatives seek to fund high-impact organizations. Nonprofits that are aligned with these programmatic and geographic guidelines are encouraged to apply.

The Equity Builders Initiative will provide organizations with 3-year unrestricted grants. Organizations must focus on affordable housing, small business development, neighborhood revitalization, and/or community services.

In addition to the new Equity Builders Initiative, we are also continuing our practice of offering 1-year program-related grants. This year we are focusing on homeownership for LMI households. Select organizations will receive a one-time grant up to $200,000.

Phases:

  • Phase 1: All eligible applicants must submit their application by September 18th, 2024, at 11:59 EST
  • Phase 2: Award decisions will be made by the Goldman Sachs Office of Corporate Engagement, and awardees will be notified ahead of a public announcement.
  • Phase 3: Awarded nonprofits receive grant funding and support from the Goldman Sachs Office of Corporate Engagement.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Domestic, nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
  • Clear focus on community development, particularly the needs for LMI households and communities
  • Headquartered or majority operating in one or more of the following geographies: New York (New York County, Bronx County, Kings County, Richmond County, Queens County), New Jersey (Hudson County, Essex County), and Utah (Salt Lake County, Summit County, Tooele County).

Evaluation:

  • Applications are reviewed by our internal expert judges and are evaluated on the criteria including, but not limited to, the below:

Innovation: Applications must present an inventive solution for addressing unmet needs among underserved populations

Impact: Applications should offer measurable deliverables with a clear evaluation model and measurable outcomes

Scalability: Applications will also be judged on the feasibility of replicating or scaling the proposed service to benefit broader communities

Awards:

  • Equity Builders: Select organizations will receive $350,000 per year for 3 years (over $1 million over 3 years), provided the organization adheres to all terms of the grant agreement
  • Change Makers: Select organizations will receive a one-time grant up to $200,000, provided the organization adheres to all terms of the grant agreement

Key Dates:

  • August 13: Applications open
  • September 18: Application deadline
  • Fall 2024: Winners are announced for both initiatives

Please reach out to gs-cd-grants@gs.com for any additional questions.


 

Learn More About How We Meet Community Needs