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

Invitation only; no fixed deadlines

Award size and duration vary; projects are typically large-scale, multifaceted, and collaborative.

Supports bold, high-impact projects that create lasting transformation in rural North Carolina through innovation and partnerships.

Applications are accepted by invitation only—contact Golden LEAF staff to discuss project fit.

--- ## Description The SPARC Initiative, offered by the Golden LEAF Foundation, funds innovative, collaborative projects that address critical needs and generate transformative opportunities in rural North Carolina. The program seeks proposals that are unique, multifaceted, and tailored to regional assets and circumstances. Successful projects must demonstrate strong partnerships or leverage significant external resources and align with Golden LEAF’s mission to foster deep, lasting community impact. SPARC particularly encourages initiatives in economic development, workforce, agriculture, and building community capacity. --- ## Due Dates - There are no set deadlines; proposals are accepted by invitation only and on a rolling basis. - Interested applicants must first discuss their project idea with Golden LEAF staff to determine eligibility and fit. --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts and project durations are not fixed and depend on the scale and impact of the proposed project. - SPARC is designed to support large, collaborative, and high-impact initiatives, so funding is typically substantial for selected projects. --- ## Eligibility - Only units of local government and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural North Carolina are eligible to apply. - Projects must focus on rural communities and align with one or more of Golden LEAF’s priority areas: economic development, workforce preparedness, agriculture, or community capacity. - All projects must be collaborative and demonstrate exceptional partnerships or leverage significant external resources. --- ## Application Process - The SPARC Initiative is invitation-only. - Prospective applicants should contact Golden LEAF staff to discuss their project’s fit with the program before submitting any materials. - Use the [Programs Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/#form) to initiate contact. - If the project aligns with SPARC priorities and is deemed a fit, applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal. --- ## Additional Information - The Golden LEAF Foundation is subject to North Carolina public records law, but certain economic development and trade secret information may be kept confidential during the application process. See [Public Records Policy](https://goldenleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Golden-LEAF-Disclaimer-2.pdf) for details. - All grant decisions are made in meetings open to the public, but confidential information is protected as outlined by law. --- ## External Links - [SPARC Initiative Program Page](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/sparc) - [Golden LEAF Foundation Home](https://goldenleaf.org) - [Programs Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/#form) - [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) - [FAQs](https://goldenleaf.org/about/faq/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@goldenleaf.org](mailto:info@goldenleaf.org) \| 252-442-7474 | | Program Questions | [Programs Inquiry Form](https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/#form) | | Mailing Address | 301 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | | Publicity/Press | [jtinklepaugh@goldenleaf.org](mailto:jtinklepaugh@goldenleaf.org) | | Staff Directory | [Contact Page](https://goldenleaf.org/about/contact-us/) |

SPARC

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