The Golden LEAF Foundation Community Based Grants Initiative (CBGI) is now underway in the North Central Prosperity Zone, which includes Person County. 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.

A total of $11 million 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. 

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.

Project Worksheet

A project worksheet must be completed for a project to be considered.

Grant Timeline

• July 21: Project worksheets due to county staff for initial review and comment. It is advised to contact staff beforehand to ensure the project meets minimum requirements for consideration. Projects will be reviewed as soon as possible with any proposed changes provided to the organization for comment.
• August 4: Project worksheets submitted to Golden LEAF for review and feedback. Meetings to provide feedback to county staff will be held on Aug. 9 and Aug. 14.
• August 26:  Economic Development Commission provides feedback on submitted projects.
• September 2:  Board of Commissioners approves list of projects to submit to Golden LEAF.
• September 8:  Final list of endorsed projects submitted to Golden LEAF.
• November 20:  Applications due to Golden LEAF via online application portal.
• November 2025 - January 2026: Golden LEAF staff reviews applications and conducts due diligence. Golden LEAF anticipates that in person site visits will be scheduled in December and early January.
• February 5, 2026:  Golden LEAF Board reviews applications and makes decisions regarding funding.

Contact Us

For more information about grants impacting Person County, contact Brandy Lynch, Person County Economic Development Director, by phone at 336-597-1752 or by email.

For more information about the Golden LEAF Foundation's Community-Based Grants Initiative, visit CBGI - North Central Prosperity Zone - Golden LEAF Foundation.