The Golden LEAF Inc

Private FoundationIRS data 2022–2024

Rocky Mount, NCEIN 522204473 Website

Annual Giving

$161.3M+34% YoY

Grants

131

Median Grant

$157K

Organizations Funded

142

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Foundation Overview

Mission

Golden LEAF mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation; Golden LEAF vision is a North Carolina with opportunities for growth and prosperity for its people all across the state

Focus Areas

workforce developmentcommunity college traininghigher education scholarshipsadvanced manufacturing trainingtechnical and vocational educationsmall business recovery and loanseconomic development infrastructureindustrial parks and shell buildings

Grant Types

scholarshipscapital grantsloansequipment grantsinfrastructure grantsprogram/project grants

Funded Initiatives

Since 1999, Golden LEAF has funded 2,328 projects totaling $1.3 billion supporting economic opportunity. Recent grants: August 2025 $4.5 million total including $3.1 million for seven Open Grants projects, $1 million for SPARC Initiative; February 2025 $10.5 million including $8.76 million for 14 Community-Based Grants in Southwestern Prosperity Zone; $200,000 to South Piedmont Community College for nursing simulation equipment; $450,000 to Brick Capital CDC for workforce housing in Sanford

How to Apply

Two-step process: First, applicants complete an online letter of inquiry gathering basic information about the applicant, project description, outcomes expected, and how Golden LEAF funds would be used. The Golden LEAF Board reviews LOIs to determine which projects meet Foundation priorities. Competitive proposals are invited to submit a full application. Eligible applicants are governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Contact Foundation staff prior to submitting LOI at 888-684-8404.

Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

Giving History

2024+34%

$161.3M

Grants

131

Median

$157K

States

2023+115%

$120.7M

Grants

119

Median

$250K

States

2022

$56.2M

Grants

Median

$250K

States

Grant Size Distribution

$157K

Typical Grant (Median)

$9K

Smallest

$97K

25th Pctile

$500K

75th Pctile

$57.5M

Largest

Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $97K and $500K.

Largest Recent Grants

$57.5M

2024

Mountain BizCapital Inc

NC · Hurricane Helene Small Business Loans & Helene Small Business Recovery Fund Request

$25.0M

2024

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

NC · Golden LEAF Schools

$13.0M

2024

Wilson Community College

NC · Wilson Biologics Training Center Equipment

$8.0M

2024

Methodist University Inc

NC · Job Creation and New Regional Educational Pathways with Methodist University Cape Fear Valley School of Medicine

$6.0M

2024

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

NC · Housing Projects

Geographic Focus

$160.6M130 grants

$680K1 grants

Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.

Financial Overview

YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid

2024

$1.5B

$161.3M(10.6%)

2023

$1.4B

$120.7M(8.6%)

2022

$1.3B

$56.2M(4.3%)

Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

Network Intelligence

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Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.