Learn everything about the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026. Eligibility, deadlines, application tips, and funding up to $1M for NY, NJ, and UT nonprofits. Apply by July 24, 2026.
If your nonprofit is working to build stronger neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, or grow small businesses in low- and moderate-income communities, then the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026 could be the funding opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Goldman Sachs has a long history of investing in community development. Through its Community Development Grants Program, the firm provides critical support to nonprofits that drive economic opportunity and mobility. For 2026, the focus is once again on high-impact organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Utah through the _Change Makers Initiative_ and _Equity Builders Initiative_.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what this Grant covers, who qualifies, how to apply, deadlines, and why this grant matters for nonprofits serving LMI communities.
What Is the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026?
This grant is part of Goldman Sachs Bank USA’s Community Development Grants Program. The goal is simple: strengthen communities by funding nonprofits that create real economic opportunity.
Unlike restricted project grants, this program prioritizes _general operating support_. That means you can use the funding where it’s needed most — hiring staff, upgrading technology, expanding programs, or building financial reserves.
The Two Main Initiatives
1. Change Makers Initiative
This is an annual funding opportunity that provides a one-time general operating grant to high-impact nonprofit organizations located in New York, New Jersey, and Utah. Organizations typically focus on affordable housing, small business growth, neighborhood revitalization, or essential community services.
2. Equity Builders Initiative
This provides multi-year, general operating grants to help organizations build capacity and sustainably deepen their impact in LMI communities. It’s designed for nonprofits ready to scale, not just sustain. In 2025, Goldman Sachs selected 30 Change Makers who are expected to impact more than 270,000 people and 5,000 businesses.
Why the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026 Matters
Funding is competitive, especially in high-cost areas like NYC, New Jersey, and Utah. However, a general operating grant from Goldman Sachs can be transformational.
Here’s why nonprofits care about this grant:
1. Flexible Funding: Use it for operations, not just programs.
2. Reputational Boost: Being named a “Community Development Champion” adds credibility and opens doors to other funders.
3. Network Access: Join a cohort of high-impact organizations working toward economic opportunity.
4. Significant Grant Size: Awards range from US $20,000 to US $1,000,000, with an average around $50,000.
In addition, Goldman Sachs has deployed more than $3.5 billion since 2008 through its corporate engagement programs.
Who Is Eligible for the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026?
Eligibility is specific, so it’s important to check carefully before applying.
Organization Requirements
To qualify for this grant, you must:
– Be a domestic, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code.
– Have a clear focus on community development addressing the needs of LMI areas or households.
Geographic Requirements
Your organization must operate primarily in these counties:
– New York: New York, Bronx, Kings, Richmond, or Queens counties
– New Jersey: Hudson or Essex counties
– Utah: Salt Lake, Summit, or Tooele counties
Focus Areas Goldman Sachs Funds
The program supports four key areas:
1. Affordable Housing Solutions– Access to safe, stable housing
2. Essential Community Services – Social services, education, job training
3. Small Business Growth – Catalytic capital for under-resourced businesses
4. Neighborhood Revitalization – Attracting or retaining businesses and residents
Examples of 2025 focus areas included housing vouchers, AI literacy training, childcare, and financial coaching.
How to Apply for the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026
Applying for this grant is done through the official online application portal.
Key Application Deadline
Submit applications by July 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Mark your calendar early because late submissions are not accepted.
What You’ll Need for the Application
While the full 2026 Application Questions PDF is available, expect to provide:
– Organization Information: Mission, geography served, population served
– Alignment with Criteria: How you meet affordable housing, community services, small business, or revitalization goals
– Budgets: Organization budget and program budget as an Excel file
– Existing Relationships: Any current or past relationship with Goldman Sachs
– Board Members and Major Funders: Top 5-10 funders and amounts
Official Application Links and Contact
– Apply Here: Read More and Apply via the official portal below:
– Official Program Page: https://www.goldmansachs.com/community-transformation/community-development-grants?ref=ourcommonriver.org
– Questions: Email the Goldman Sachs Community Development team at gs-cd-grants@gs.com
– More Info: https://www.goldmansachs.com/community-transformation
Note: Goldman Sachs advises that grantseekers contact senior staff for consideration.
Tips to Win the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026
Competition is high. Here’s how to make your application stand out:
1. Show Measurable Impact
Goldman Sachs highlights organizations impacting thousands of people. Use data to show how many individuals, families, or businesses you serve.
2. Align With LMI Needs
Clearly state the percentage of beneficiaries who are low- or moderate-income.
3. Demonstrate Innovation
2025 Champions were recognized for embracing AI, empowering parents, and building financial futures. Show how your work is innovative.
4. Use General Operating Funds Strategically
Explain exactly how flexible funding will help you scale, hire, or build reserves.
5. Tell Your Community Story
Past grantees like Brooklyn Public Library and Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services were selected for their direct community impact.
Examples of Past Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions
Seeing who has won before can help you position your nonprofit.
– Brooklyn Public Library – LevelUP workforce program for LMI communities
– NHSNYC – CDFI lending to help 200+ borrowers maintain homes
– Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services
– Queens Community House, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation – Equity Builders grantees
These organizations are tackling housing, economic mobility, and neighborhood strength — exactly what this grant is designed to support.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026
Is this grant only for New York, New Jersey, and Utah?
Yes. The Change Makers Initiative specifically funds nonprofits in those three states.
Can we use the grant for capital projects?
The program focuses on general operating support. However, how you use it internally is flexible.
What is the difference between Change Makers and Equity Builders?
Change Makers = one-time general operating grant.
Equity Builders = multi-year, capacity-building grants.
Does Goldman Sachs accept unsolicited applications?
For some programs, no. But the Community Development Champions program does have an open application portal with a July 24, 2026 deadline.
Final Thoughts: Should Your Nonprofit Apply for the Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026?
If your mission is to create economic opportunity in LMI communities across New York, New Jersey, or Utah, then absolutely yes.
The Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions Grant 2026 offers more than money. It offers flexibility, visibility, and a partnership with one of the world’s leading financial institutions.
With grant amounts up to $1,000,000 and a deadline of July 24, 2026, now is the time to prepare your application, gather your data, and tell your impact story.
Strong communities are the foundation of economic growth. And with this grant, your nonprofit can be the champion that builds that foundation.
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