Our Insights

Greyston Bakery, based in Yonkers, New York, is best known for supplying brownies to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. But its true impact lies far beyond desserts. Founded in 1982, Greyston pioneered an open hiring model—anyone who walks in the door can get a job, no questions asked. No resumes, interviews, or background checks. 

This radical approach has given opportunities to people who are often excluded from the workforce: formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, and those facing housing instability. By removing barriers, Greyston turns employment into empowerment.

Why It Matters

Greyston’s model shows how a nonprofit can evolve into a social enterprise that sustains itself while deepening its mission:

• Revenue with purpose: Brownie sales generate income that supports community programs.

• Workforce inclusion: Open hiring creates pathways for people who might otherwise be shut out.

• Community reinvestment: Profits fund housing, childcare, and health initiatives in Yonkers.

• Scalable innovation: The open hiring model has inspired other companies to adopt similar practices.

The Leap from Nonprofit to Social Enterprise

Greyston began as a nonprofit focused on community development. By embracing enterprise, it unlocked new doors: financial resilience, broader partnerships, and the ability to scale impact. Today, it stands as proof that nonprofits can thrive when they blend mission with market.   For Merge+™ , Greyston’s story is a powerful case study. It demonstrates that taking the leap into social enterprise doesn’t mean abandoning values—it means amplifying them.