Frequently Asked Questions

The Golden LEAF Foundation will accept applications from units of local government for public infrastructure projects for flood mitigation.

How do I apply?

An online application is available at the Golden LEAF grant portal.

• For instructions on how to access the new grant portal for the first time, click here and select the appropriate quick reference sheet:
  • New applicants, select and follow the instructions for “How to Create an Account”.
  • Former applicants using the same e-mail address as for a prior application, select and follow the instructions for “How to Log In”.
• If you already have an account in Golden LEAF’s new grant management system, click here to log in.
• Click “Apply for Funding” then “Apply for a Grant” in the Flood Mitigation and Recovery section to access the application.

Who can I contact with questions about my project?

Please submit your inquiry using the form linked here. A member of the Golden LEAF team will respond within one business day. Please review the program guidelines (posted at this link) and these frequently asked questions prior to reaching out.

When are applications due?

There are two deadlines available for this program: Tuesday, December 12 at 12pm and March 5, 2024 at 12pm.

What types of expenses are not eligible?

Grant funds may not be used for acquisition of real property or grant administration. Funds are focused on projects to mitigate flooding. Early flood alert systems, improvements to buildings, or improvements to water/sewer infrastructure are not eligible under this program. Effective October 6, 2023: Funds may not be requested for general planning or studies including stormwater infrastructure assessments. Engineering expenses may be requested along with construction expenses in a single application for this program; however, the engineering must be directly related to the proposed construction. Funds may be requested for engineering expenses for projects that have secured other sources of funding for construction and must provide documentation of that funding.

Can Golden LEAF funds be used to provide a non-federal match for a federal grant?

Yes, this program is designed to fit with other available state and federal resources for flood mitigation.

What is the required match for this program?

There is no match requirement for this program. Leveraging of non-Golden LEAF funds or demonstrating that local funds are unavailable and/or insufficient to complete the project is listed as a characteristic of competitive proposals in this program.

We already completed the emergency repairs, can we apply for reimbursement?

No. Reimbursement of previously completed repairs or improvements are not eligible in this program.

Is there a limit on the amount of funds that may be requested?

Yes. Up to $2,000,000 may be awarded per project. Golden LEAF expects most awards in this program will not exceed $1,000,000.

Projects requesting more than $500,000 must complete the application addendum (posted on the Golden LEAF website) and submit the addendum as an attachment with the application. Applications requesting more than $500,000 that do not submit the addendum with their application at the time of submission will not be eligible.

How is “project” defined?

For the purpose of this program, a project can include both planning/design/engineering as well as construction/implementation or those two phases may be separate projects. For separate planning/design/engineering projects, see criteria below for planning applications.

Can I submit multiple projects?

Yes. A local government may submit multiple separate projects.

Can a large project be eligible as multiple projects?

The intent of this program is to support smaller projects. A large project that can be reasonably subdivided or phased in would be eligible provided the outcomes of that phase could be isolated (for example, a project to upsize one culvert that is part of a larger plan to upsize multiple culverts along a section of stormwater infrastructure). Projects that cannot reasonably be phased in should consider other available state or federal programs. Golden LEAF funds may be leveraged with other funds for a larger project if implementation will occur at once. Please contact Golden LEAF staff to discuss.

What counties are eligible to apply?

All counties are eligible to apply; however, Golden LEAF will prioritize projects from rural, economically distressed areas.

How is “unit of local government” defined?

For the purpose of this program, a unit of local governments is a county, city, consolidated city-county, local board of education, sanitary district, or other local political subdivision, authority, or agency of local government. Please contact Golden LEAF staff if you are uncertain if your organization qualifies.

Is there a minimum number of households, businesses, or other benefitting populations to be impacted by a project?

No. Number of households will impact the competitiveness of a project when compared to similar projects but there is not a threshold a project must meet to be deemed eligible. Outcomes information is required for state reporting.

What type of documentation is required for frequency and effect of flooding? 

Photos, videos, news reports, 911 or other emergency response reports, public works reports, minutes from council meetings, and emails or public comments documented by the local government. Golden LEAF encourages community engagement to gather photo or video documentation of flooding. Rainfall totals or other general documentation of rainfall, or engineering analysis showing the possibility of flooding is not sufficient.