Economic Catalyst
Golden LEAF Foundation’s Economic Catalyst program funds infrastructure, training, and equipment projects in distressed NC areas that directly support full-time job creation tied to scientific or technical workforce needs.
Funder: Golden LEAF Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: No set minimum or maximum; funding is based on project need and impact, typically supporting infrastructure, training, or equipment directly tied to job creation.
Summary: Supports projects in distressed North Carolina areas that create full-time jobs, with funding for infrastructure, training, and equipment linked to job creation.
Key Information: Applicants must secure a formal company commitment to create full-time jobs before public announcement of the project.
Description
The Economic Catalyst program from the Golden LEAF Foundation provides grants to eligible governmental and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to support projects that will result in the creation of full-time jobs in tobacco-dependent or economically distressed areas. Funding is intended for projects that would not proceed without Golden LEAF support and must be tied directly to a for-profit company's commitment to create a specified number of jobs with benefits. Eligible uses include public infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and equipment purchases. The program emphasizes projects that fill a funding gap, demonstrate risk without Golden LEAF support, and have a clear charitable, educational, or scientific purpose.
