Banking Interns in EMEA Team Up in Competition for Charity Grants

Fourteen teams comprising 74 Investment Banking Division interns and summer associates competed on behalf of several charities in competitive pitches to panel of partners for $50,000 in Goldman Sachs Gives grants.

Each team was given an organization to represent and one week to independently prepare a five-minute pitch on August 16, explaining why their nonprofit deserved to receive the donation. The winning team earned a $25,000 grant for the Mayor’s Fund of London, persuading the judges by assuming the roles of their charity’s employees, those it helped, and the judges themselves in a panel discussion format. Each of the other teams earned $2,000 grants for their charities.

“Pitching is about explaining an opportunity, but also building a relationship. The winning team succeeded by combining both to keep us informed and engaged throughout,” said Steve Windsor, a partner in IBD who pioneered the first pitch event for the 2015 summer class of interns. “This event is a chance for everyone to practice the skills they learned during the summer and put them to use for good causes.”

The Mayor’s Fund for London empowers young Londoners from disadvantaged backgrounds to acquire the skills and opportunities they need to secure employment, climb the career ladder and escape the threat of poverty.

“I’m delighted we won the grant for the Mayor’s Fund and that doing something different paid off,” said Ashay Sodha, a member of the winning team. “We know the money will make a huge difference to the lives of young Londoners.”