The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $9 million in funding to support long-term economic advancement. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $860,000 to support two projects through the Open Grants Program and $2 million to support a project through the Economic Catalyst program. The Golden LEAF Board awarded an additional $2.95 million to East Carolina University to support its Center of Medical Education and $319,000 to the Town of Spring Lake for a Flood Mitigation project. The Board also approved $2.9 million in funding for the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to administer the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship.

The Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative Site Interest Form is now available to communicate interest in hosting a Golden LEAF Scholar participating in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. The Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative provides eligible Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community.

At the August meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $16.7 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.7 million to support four projects through the Open Grants Program, $3 million to support two projects in the SITE Program, and $1 million for an Economic Catalyst project. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $456,000 to continue the work of the NC Ag Leads Initiative and $10 million to establish the Rural Entrepreneurship Regional Constellation program. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $499,406 in additional funding for previously awarded projects.

Golden LEAF Vice President/Chief of Staff Kasey Ginsberg’s last day with the Foundation was on August 7th. Ginsberg began her new role as Director of State Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on August 10th.

Golden LEAF Program Officer Jason Rochelle retired on June 30, after 10 years of service to the Foundation.

As a Program Officer, Jason was responsible for evaluating funding proposals and overseeing project monitoring and compliance activities. He also provided insight on Foundation policy, programs and initiatives, and data to support Golden LEAF’s funding priorities.

In June, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Kaetlyn Tate as Program Officer.

“We are thrilled to have Kaetlyn join our team as we continue advancing the Golden LEAF mission,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Her background in public policy and research will complement our dedicated staff.”

As a Program Officer, Tate is responsible for evaluating funding proposals, supporting the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and overseeing project monitoring and compliance activities. Her work focuses on the Workforce Preparedness priority. Tate was hired to fill the Program Officer position following the retirement of Jason Rochelle.

Recently, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 students from 59 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to $14,000 from the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program.

The scholarship provides high school seniors entering a four-year North Carolina college or university with $3,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for three years of undergraduate study.

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $6 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program, $2 million to support two projects in a special healthcare workforce program, $1.9 million to support one Economic Catalyst project, $1 million to support one project through the SPARC initiative, and $100,000 to support one project developed through the NC Ag Leads initiative.

In May, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Ethan Lewis as Scholarship Program Associate.

“We are excited for Ethan to join the team to help carry out the mission of Golden LEAF,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “He brings a strong skill set that will complement our team of dedicated professionals.”