Goldman Sachs Community Development Champions

Our Community Development Champions are experts with decades of experience and are dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and mobility. Their comprehensive programming focuses on addressing critical challenges faced by low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals, including affordable housing, community services, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization.

We are proud to announce this year’s Change Makers, whose work is recognized for driving measurable gains in economic opportunity and community stability across New York, New Jersey, and Utah. Their efforts take a holistic approach to the multifaceted challenges these communities face. We also provide multi-year support to high-impact organizations through the Equity Builders Initiative, and we are pleased to continue that support as the cohort enters its second year.

Together, this year’s Champions will continue addressing complex challenges and expanding pathways to economic opportunity.

Read more about our Champions below:

The Change Makers Initiative is an annual funding opportunity that provides a one-time general operating grant to high-impact nonprofit organizations located in New York, New Jersey, or Utah. These organizations primarily focus on improving affordable housing, fostering small business growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, or providing essential community services in LMI communities.

Hear From Our Champions:

“This support will make a real difference for Brooklyn’s low- and moderate-income communities through our LevelUP workforce program. Your partnership allows us to continue to connect Brooklynites with pathways to employment and economic stability, and we are deeply grateful for the firm's continued belief in our work.”

– Edwin B. Maxwell, Brooklyn Public Library Chief Librarian

Our 2025 Change Makers represent 30 organizations selected for their exceptional impact in low- to moderate-income communities. Based on the proposals submitted by our Champions, we expect this group will impact more than 270,000 people and 5,000 businesses over the duration of the grant.

These organizations are tackling some of our most pressing challenges with innovative, comprehensive solutions, and key themes in this year’s cohort include: 

• Access to Housing – Expediting access to affordable apartments for homeless New Yorkers with housing vouchers.
• Embracing AI – Leading AI adoption initiatives, ensuring LMI communities aren't left behind in the digital economy through literacy training and organizational transformation.
• Empowering Parents – Providing free, high-quality childcare, enabling parents to work towards financial autonomy and security.
• Building Financial Futures – Offering financial coaching and debt relief services that open doors to homeownership and economic stability.

2025 Change Makers