Open Grants Program
Golden LEAF Foundation’s Open Grants Program funds projects advancing job creation, workforce readiness, agriculture, and economic development 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 | April 23, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award; project duration typically 1–3 years.
Summary: Supports projects to strengthen North Carolina’s economy, focusing on job creation, workforce, agriculture, and community development in rural and distressed areas.
Description
The Open Grants Program, administered by the Golden LEAF Foundation, offers competitive funding to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance North Carolina’s economic strength—especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. The program prioritizes initiatives in job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, agriculture, and community competitiveness and capacity.
Projects may include workforce training programs, infrastructure development for industrial or workforce housing, expansion of agricultural markets, and other activities that drive measurable economic advancement. Applications are evaluated for alignment with Golden LEAF’s mission and the potential to deliver quantifiable, positive outcomes for targeted regions.
