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Community Development Champions

Through our Community Development Grants Program, we provide funding for nonprofits that are advancing economic opportunity and mobility in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities.
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Applications Open: The Change Makers Initiative

Deadline: July 18, 2025

The Change Makers Initiative is an annual funding opportunity for high-impact nonprofit organizations located in New York, New Jersey, or Utah. Eligible organizations should focus on improving affordable housing, fostering small business growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, or providing essential community services in LMI communities. Successful applicants will receive a one-time general operating grant.

Grant range: Up to $200,000

What is a Community Development Champion?
A nonprofit 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.

Timeline
Phase 1

All eligible applicants must submit their application by July 18th, 2025, at 11:59 EST.

Phase 2

Award decisions will be finalized in Q3 2025, and awardees will be notified ahead of a public announcement. 

Phase 3

Funding will be disbursed to awarded nonprofits by year-end 2025 for implementation throughout 2026.

Eligibility
  • Organizations must be domestic, nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
  • Organizations must have a clear focus on community development addressing the needs of LMI areas or households.
  • Organizations must be headquartered or have a majority of operations 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)
    • Utah (Salt Lake County, Summit County, Tooele County)
Assessment Criteria


Applications will be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

  • Impact: Applications should specify measurable outcomes related to improving wellbeing in LMI communities and demonstrate a history of effectively meeting community needs.
  • Community Engagement: Applications should demonstrate authentic engagement with LMI communities throughout the design and implementation of programming and promote community-driven solutions.

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

 

Note: Applications for Equity Builders, our multi-year grant program, are currently closed. Please check this website for information regarding future applications. Please read more about our recent cohort of Equity Builders below.

Learn About Our 2024 Program and Awardees