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Increasing
Economic
Opportunity
in North Carolina
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The Golden LEAF
Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding received from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For 25 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

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Strategic Priority Areas

Job Creation and Economic Investment

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Workforce Preparedness

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Agriculture

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Downtown of a small city in North Carolina

Community Competitiveness and Capacity

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How Can We Help

Potential Applicants

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Current Grantees

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Golden LEAF Scholarships

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Golden LEAF Updates

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Take the Funding 101 Quiz

Move the Economic Needle

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Our Programs for Governmental Entities and 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
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Scholarships for High School and Community College Students

Our Impact

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Since its inception in 1999, Golden LEAF has provided lasting impact to tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and rural areas of the state helping build both human and physical infrastructure.

Jobs Created
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In New Payroll
$ 0 M+
Workers trained across N.C.
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Discover Our Success Stories

North Carolina State Map
Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters connects to sewer to expand, create new jobs

Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters connects to sewer to expand, create new jobs

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Hundreds of jobs in western N.C. thanks to Blue Ridge Community College workforce pipeline

Hundreds of jobs in western N.C. thanks to Blue Ridge Community College workforce pipeline

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Western NC gains new jobs, increased healthcare capacity, expanded services despite pandemic

Western NC gains new jobs, increased healthcare capacity, expanded services despite pandemic

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Cleveland Community College breaks ground on advanced manufacturing center

Cleveland Community College breaks ground on advanced manufacturing center

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Gaston County Schools creating an advanced manufacturing workforce through career academy

Gaston County Schools creating an advanced manufacturing workforce through career academy

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Wilkes County farmers increase profits thanks to innovative programs

Wilkes County farmers increase profits thanks to innovative programs

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Next Generation Career Academy connecting Surry County high school students to local industry careers

Next Generation Career Academy connecting Surry County high school students to local industry careers

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Golden LEAF, partner organizations cut ribbon on NC Food Innovation Lab

Golden LEAF, partner organizations cut ribbon on NC Food Innovation Lab

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ABC of NC expands services, creates 55 new healthcare jobs

ABC of NC expands services, creates 55 new healthcare jobs

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Guilford County apprenticeship program recruits students into manufacturing jobs

Guilford County apprenticeship program recruits students into manufacturing jobs

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New cooler space improves access to local foods

New cooler space improves access to local foods

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Golden LEAF supports entrepreneurship in the Sandhills

Golden LEAF supports entrepreneurship in the Sandhills

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Fair Bluff Fire Department receives disaster recovery funds

Fair Bluff Fire Department receives disaster recovery funds

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Fayetteville State University expands nursing program

Fayetteville State University expands nursing program

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Vance County wins jobs, community partner with MAKO Medical Laboratories

Vance County wins jobs, community partner with MAKO Medical Laboratories

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Hospital in Franklin County creating jobs, providing increased access to healthcare

Hospital in Franklin County creating jobs, providing increased access to healthcare

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Dedicated workspace in Wilson sparks entrepreneurship

Dedicated workspace in Wilson sparks entrepreneurship

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Halifax Community College uses innovation to help nursing students succeed during pandemic

Halifax Community College uses innovation to help nursing students succeed during pandemic

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Pitt Community College Technical Academy providing workforce training to local high school students to help fill employer needs

Pitt Community College Technical Academy providing workforce training to local high school students to help fill employer needs

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Martin Community College line technician program

Martin Community College line technician program

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College of the Albemarle machinist program helps fill employer needs

College of the Albemarle machinist program helps fill employer needs

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Collaboration creates workforce solutions in high-demand trades

Collaboration creates workforce solutions in high-demand trades

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Featured News

Copy of Scholar Spotlight (21)

Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2025

Rocky Mount, N.C., (January 9, 2025) The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties. Applications are due March 1, 2025.
January 9, 2025
Copy of Scholar Spotlight (23)

Program Officer Brynn Fann graduates from 2024 REDI Class

In December, Golden LEAF Program Officer and A/V Tech Coordinator, Brynn Fann graduated from the Rural Economic Development Institute, REDI. REDI is the NC Rural Center’s flagship leadership development program. This three-month leadership training prepares existing and emerging leaders with tools needed to approach economic and community development issues amongst rural North Carolina. “I applied for REDI to obtain a certification and increase my knowledge on management practices found within rural initiatives,” said Fann. “After joining the program, I realized REDI offered so much more.”
January 9, 2025
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Golden LEAF launches new websites

The Golden LEAF Foundation has launched new websites to reflect its new branding, increase engagement, and provide a more user-friendly experience: Golden LEAF Foundation and Golden LEAF Scholarship websites. This launch was in conjunction with Golden LEAF’s 25th Anniversary.
January 9, 2025

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