[Golden LEAF Foundation](https://goldenleaf.org)

Up to $500,000 per award; project duration is typically 1–3 years.

Supports projects that strengthen North Carolina’s economy, especially in rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities, with a focus on job creation, workforce training, agriculture, and community development.

Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities serving rural NC are eligible; two-stage online application required.

--- ## Description The Open Grants Program from the Golden LEAF Foundation provides competitive funding for projects that have the potential to significantly strengthen North Carolina’s economy. The program is designed to support initiatives in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. Priority funding areas include job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, agriculture innovation, and community competitiveness and capacity. Funded projects may involve workforce training, career pathways, infrastructure development for industrial or workforce housing, and agricultural innovation or market expansion. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes aligned with Golden LEAF’s mission of fostering long-term economic advancement in North Carolina. --- ## Due Dates - April 24, 2025: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program - February 19, 2026: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program - April 23, 2026: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program - June 25, 2026: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program - August 20, 2026: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program - October 22, 2026: Submission deadline (by 12PM) for Open Grants Program --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $500,000 per project - Typical project duration: 1–3 years - Funds must be used for charitable, scientific, educational, or tax-exempt public purposes --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Governmental entities (including city/county governments, public school systems, community colleges, universities) - Projects must serve rural, economically distressed, and/or tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina - For-profit businesses and individuals are not eligible - Projects must align with priority areas: job creation, workforce preparedness, agriculture, or community competitiveness/capacity - New organizations (less than 2–3 years old) may have difficulty demonstrating sustainability and are generally less competitive --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage application via the [Fluxx grant portal](https://goldenleaf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new):** 1. **Stage 1:** Submit a brief online application describing the project, outcomes, and use of funds. The Board reviews and selects projects to invite for Stage 2. 2. **Stage 2:** Invited applicants submit a detailed application, including financials, implementation plans, and outcome projections. - Applicants are encouraged to: - Take the [Project Fit Quiz](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-quiz/) to assess eligibility - Contact [Golden LEAF staff](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) prior to submission - Declined applications for the same or substantially similar projects may not be resubmitted for six months --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects with strong, measurable economic outcomes (e.g., new jobs, increased workforce credentials, infrastructure enabling business growth, agricultural innovation) - Projects that only support soft skills training, tourism, arts, cultural resources, emergency management, or general operating expenses are low priority - Collaboration with partners is encouraged but not required - Board meetings for application review are held in February, April, June, August, October, and December --- ## External Links - [Open Grants Program Overview](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/open-grants) - [Start an Application](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/start-an-application/) - [Open Grants Resources (forms, templates)](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/open-grants/open-grants-resources/) - [Project Fit Quiz](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-quiz/) - [Golden LEAF Priority Areas](https://goldenleaf.org/priority-areas/) - [Contact Programs Staff](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://goldenleaf.org/about/faq/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@goldenleaf.org](mailto:info@goldenleaf.org) \| 252-442-7474 | | Program/Eligibility Qs | [Contact Programs Staff](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) | | Grant Portal Support | [Fluxx Portal](https://goldenleaf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) | | Mailing Address | 301 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 |

Open Grants Program

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