North Carolina Open Grants Program

Program Officers
252.442.7474
888.684.8404
programs@goldenleaf.org

The Golden LEAF Foundation Open Grants Program provides funding for projects that strengthen North Carolina's long-term economy, especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities.

Priority is given to the focus areas:

• Agriculture
• Job creation and economic investment, particularly in the healthcare sector
• Workforce preparedness
• Community competitiveness, capacity, and vitality

The program invests in healthcare as an economic engine, and priority outcome metrics related to healthcare include:

• Investment in publicly owned infrastructure
• Investment in privately owned property, plant, and equipment
• New full-time jobs created
• Average annual wage of new full-time jobs

Priority outcomes and metrics for all focus areas

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities.

Applications are accepted from all communities in North Carolina, but funded projects must benefit tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities.

Up to $500,000. Most awards will be for $200,000 or less.

Links to additional guidance and the program guidelines, are available on the program website.

Applicants must submit a Stage 1 application through the online application portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Foundation Program Officers prior to submitting a letter of inquiry.