Counties from the Southwest Prosperity Zone are invited to participate in our Community-Based Grants Initiative (CBGI). The counties in the Southwest Prosperity Zone are Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union.
The process is competitive, but organizations from all counties within the Southwest Prosperity Zone will have an opportunity to apply.
The CBGI is designed to identify projects with the potential to have a significant impact. It is a focused process with grants targeted toward investments in the building blocks of economic growth. Funds are limited to projects that address Golden LEAF priorities of job creation and economic investment, agriculture, and workforce preparedness.
Available Funds
A total of $11m is available to support projects in the region. Awards are limited to no more than three projects in any county and may total no more than $1.5 million in any county. Not all proposals will be funded and there is no assurance that there will be a funded project in every county. Funds may also be awarded for regional projects (see information below), which will not count toward the limit of projects in a county, but regional projects are funded through the overall $11 million program budget.
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Eligible Entities
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities (county and municipal governments, community colleges, universities, etc.) Funds do not have to be administered or implemented by the county government.
Process
County managers serve a key role in the process. Each county manager will submit projects to Golden LEAF for feedback and later endorse a slate of up to four projects for consideration. Each county will determine how to identify which projects will be endorsed for this initiative. Only projects that have been endorsed and regional projects will be eligible to submit an application for consideration by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors.
Regional Projects
Eligible entities may submit regional projects for consideration. Regional projects do not require county manager endorsement but must reach out to discuss with Golden LEAF staff to ensure the project meets the eligibility requirements for regional projects.
Regional projects must meet all of the following criteria:
Kickoff – April 16, 2024 in Statesville
The purpose of the kickoff is to introduce the initiative and application process, funding available through other Golden LEAF programs, and set the stage for regional collaboration. The kickoff focused on opportunities for collaboration and networking as well as featured other funders. Attendance was encouraged for those at the interested organization/entity that will be responsible for project development.
Gathering – May 23, 2024 in Kannapolis
The gathering will feature breakout sessions on priority areas and a step-by-step overview of project worksheet development. Attendance is encouraged for those at the interested organization/entity that will be responsible for project development.
Timeline includes anticipated milestones by month and will be updated with final, specific due dates as they are determined.
Resources
For more information on the Community-Based Grants Initiative, contact Programs staff.
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