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

Rolling (Invitation only)

No fixed cap; funding varies by project scope and impact.

Supports bold, collaborative projects that drive transformative change and lasting impact in rural North Carolina communities.

Applications are by invitation only; discuss your project with Golden LEAF staff before applying.

--- ## Description The SPARC Initiative by the Golden LEAF Foundation funds innovative, high-impact, and collaborative projects that address critical needs and create transformative opportunities in rural North Carolina. Projects supported by SPARC are uniquely designed to align with the Foundation’s mission, leverage exceptional partnerships or significant external resources, and generate a deep, lasting impact on the communities they serve. SPARC projects are typically multifaceted, tailored to specific regional assets and circumstances, and may differ from standard Golden LEAF outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. - Submission is by invitation only; interested applicants must first discuss their project with Golden LEAF staff. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set funding cap; award amounts are determined based on the project's scope, impact, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. - Projects are expected to be significant in scale, leveraging external resources or partnerships, and designed for lasting community impact. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must serve rural North Carolina communities. - Must align with Golden LEAF’s mission and priority funding areas (e.g., economic development, workforce preparedness, agriculture, and community capacity). - Strong preference for projects that are collaborative, innovative, and leverage significant external partnerships or resources. - Applications are by invitation only; prospective applicants must contact Golden LEAF staff to discuss project fit before submitting materials. --- ## Application Process - The process starts with an initial project discussion with Golden LEAF staff. Use the [Programs Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/#form) to connect with the team. - If your project is determined to be a good fit, you may be invited to submit a formal application. - All applications and funding decisions are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, with certain confidentiality protections for economic development and trade secrets (see Additional Information below). --- ## Additional Information - Confidentiality: Certain materials related to economic development and designated trade secrets can be kept confidential during the site selection and decision process, in accordance with North Carolina law. - All grant decisions are made in open meetings, and the fact of a grant award and its general purpose are public information. - For more details on confidentiality and public records, see the [Golden LEAF Public Records Policy](https://goldenleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Golden-LEAF-Disclaimer-2.pdf). --- ## External Links - [SPARC Initiative Program Page](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/sparc) - [Contact Programs Staff / Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/) - [Golden LEAF Priority Areas](https://goldenleaf.org/priority-areas/) - [Public Records Policy (PDF)](https://goldenleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Golden-LEAF-Disclaimer-2.pdf) - [Golden LEAF Foundation Home](https://goldenleaf.org) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Method | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@goldenleaf.org](mailto:info@goldenleaf.org) \| [Contact Page](https://goldenleaf.org/contact/) | | Programs Team | [Programs Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/#form) | | Phone | 252-442-7474 | | Address | 301 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 |

SPARC

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