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

June 25, 2026 | August 20, 2026 | October 22, 2026 | December 24, 2026 | April 23, 2026

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

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. --- ## Due Dates - April 23, 2026 - June 25, 2026 - August 20, 2026 - October 22, 2026 - December 24, 2026 Applications are due by 12pm (noon) on each deadline. Board reviews occur at the next scheduled meeting following each deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$500,000 per project** - Typical project duration: **1–3 years** - No stated minimum; actual funding is based on project scope, competitiveness, and alignment with priority areas. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - Units of local government in North Carolina - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving North Carolina communities - **Geographic focus:** Projects must benefit tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, or rural communities in North Carolina. - **Project focus:** Must align with one or more priority areas: - Job Creation & Economic Investment - Workforce Preparedness - Agriculture - Community Competitiveness and Capacity --- ## Application Process 1. **Stage 1 Application** - Submit a brief online application outlining the project, expected outcomes, and use of funds. - Board reviews Stage 1 applications and selects projects to invite for Stage 2. - [Start an Application](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/start-an-application/) 2. **Stage 2 Application** - Invited applicants submit a more detailed proposal, including budgets, financials, and expanded project plans. - Board makes final funding decisions. **Key tips:** - Take the [Project Fit Quiz](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-quiz/) to assess alignment. - Contact Golden LEAF staff for project fit or application guidance before submission. - Required forms for both stages are available on the [Open Grants Resources page](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/open-grants/open-grants-resources/). **Declined Application Policy:** If declined at any stage, similar projects may not be resubmitted for six months from the Board’s decision date. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with Golden LEAF’s priority areas. - Infrastructure projects for workforce housing must be led by a 501(c)(3) or local government. - Review [priority area details](https://goldenleaf.org/priority-areas/) for guidance on eligible activities and expected outcomes. - Board meetings for reviews typically occur in February, April, June, August, October, and December. --- ## External Links - [Open Grants Program Overview](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/open-grants) - [Programs Calendar (Deadlines)](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/programs-calendar/) - [Priority Areas](https://goldenleaf.org/priority-areas/) - [Open Grants Resources (Forms)](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/open-grants/open-grants-resources/) - [Start an Application (Fluxx Portal)](https://goldenleaf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Contact Programs Staff](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@goldenleaf.org](mailto:info@goldenleaf.org) / [Contact page](https://goldenleaf.org/about/contact-us/) | | Programs/Eligibility | [Programs@GoldenLEAF.org](mailto:Programs@GoldenLEAF.org) / [Contact Programs Staff](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) | | Phone | 252-442-7474 |

Open Grants Program

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