The Golden LEAF Foundation's Open Grant Program is designed to strengthen North Carolina's economy, particularly in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to use its entrusted funds for projects demonstrating the greatest potential for economic growth in these specified areas. By focusing on critical economic development, the foundation aims to achieve its strategic priorities of fostering a more robust and resilient economy across the state.
The program targets governmental entities and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that can implement projects for charitable, scientific, educational, or other tax-exempt public purposes. This approach ensures that the beneficiaries are organizations capable of driving community-wide impact rather than individuals or for-profit businesses. The impact goals are centered around creating full-time jobs, supporting agricultural development, and enhancing workforce preparedness, which are crucial for the economic upliftment of the target communities.
Key priority funding areas for this program include Job Creation & Economic Investment, Agriculture, and Workforce Preparedness. Within these areas, competitive projects are expected to develop and implement new workforce training programs, establish career pathways in high schools for in-demand fields, extend vital infrastructure like water, sewer, or roads to enable industrial development, and support the growth of new crops, expansion of agricultural markets, or farmer training. These specific focuses are designed to address the root causes of economic distress in the target regions.
The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Open Grant Program are directly tied to these priority areas. Projects are anticipated to lead to the creation of full-time jobs through industrial development, equip individuals with skills for high-demand fields, and foster innovation and market expansion within the agricultural sector. While specific numerical targets for job creation or market growth are not detailed, the emphasis on "most potential for strengthening North Carolina’s economy" implies a commitment to measurable economic improvements and a positive return on investment in the state's economic future. Awards will be $500,000 or less, indicating a strategic distribution of funds to a range of impactful projects.
