Open Grants Program
Golden LEAF Foundation’s Open Grants Program funds projects advancing economic growth, workforce development, agriculture, and competitiveness in rural and distressed North Carolina communities.
Funder: Golden LEAF Foundation
Due Dates: June 25, 2026 | August 20, 2026 | October 22, 2026 | December 24, 2026 | February 18, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award; project durations and number of awards may vary.
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen North Carolina’s economy in rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities, emphasizing job creation, workforce development, agriculture, and community competitiveness.
Key Information: Two-stage application process; only governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible.
Description
The Open Grants Program from the Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding opportunities throughout the year for governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program is designed to support economic development projects that have strong potential to strengthen North Carolina’s economy, with a focus on tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. Priority funding areas include job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, agriculture, and enhancing community competitiveness and capacity. Projects may involve workforce training, infrastructure development, agricultural innovation, and public use infrastructure for workforce housing. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes and alignment with Golden LEAF’s mission to drive economic growth and resilience in targeted communities.
