Open Grants Program

The Open Grants Program is administered by the Golden LEAF Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to strengthening North Carolina’s economy, particularly in tobacco-dependent, rural, and economically distressed communities. The program provides year-round funding opportunities for eligible governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to support economic development initiatives. Golden LEAF makes one-time investments in projects that demonstrate long-term sustainability and measurable economic impact. All funded projects must align with at least one of the foundation’s priority areas, including job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture, with additional emphasis on community competitiveness and capacity. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure development, workforce training programs, agricultural innovation, and other activities that stimulate economic growth and expand opportunity. Awards are limited to a maximum of 500000 per project and are intended to support initiatives that will continue beyond the grant period without ongoing foundation support. The application process follows a two-stage structure. In Stage 1, applicants submit a preliminary application outlining the project concept, expected outcomes, and use of funds. The Golden LEAF Board reviews these submissions and selects projects to advance to Stage 2. Invited applicants must then submit a full application with detailed financial documentation, implementation plans, and supporting materials. Stage 2 applications undergo further review, including due diligence and potential site visits, before final funding decisions are made by the Board. Applications are submitted through an online grants management system, and decisions are made in alignment with scheduled Board meetings throughout the year. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Golden LEAF staff prior to submission to confirm project alignment and competitiveness. Projects that are declined may not be resubmitted in substantially similar form for a period of six months. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with priority funding areas, strength of projected outcomes, feasibility of implementation, and long-term sustainability. Contact information is available through the foundation for applicant support throughout the process.

Focus on measurable economic outcomes and alignment with priority funding areas; demonstrate sustainability beyond grant funding; contact staff early to confirm project fit