Open Grants Program
Open Grants Program supports government and nonprofit projects in infrastructure, workforce preparedness, and other economic priorities to strengthen North Carolina’s economy, especially in rural communities.
Funder: Golden LEAF Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted throughout the year)
Funding Amounts: Most awards are $200,000 or less; qualifying projects may receive up to $500,000
Summary: Supports economic development projects that strengthen North Carolina’s economy, especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities.
Key Information: Requests above $200,000 require a consultation with Golden LEAF staff.
Description
The Golden LEAF Foundation’s Open Grants Program supports projects with strong potential to strengthen North Carolina’s economy. The program is open to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with particular emphasis on work benefiting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. Supported infrastructure uses include public infrastructure improvements and clearing and rough grading of publicly owned sites.
Projects must align with the foundation’s economic development priorities: job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, agriculture, or community competitiveness, capacity, and vitality. The foundation emphasizes significant outcomes, collaborative planning, and projects that build on demonstrated success. Larger awards may support expanded impact, compelling collaboration across organizations or counties, innovative approaches, and projects that leverage significant funding from other organizations.
