Each year, Golden LEAF invites one Prosperity Zone to participate in the Community-Based Grants Initiative (CBGI). The CBGI is designed to fund projects with the potential to have a significant economic impact in a region. For 2021-2022, Golden LEAF has invited organizations working in the Western Prosperity Zone to apply for funds from an available $11 million for this initiative.
The Golden LEAF CBGI Western Prosperity Zone kick off will be held on Wednesday, February 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to attend the virtual meeting, click here to register.
As part of the CBGI, Golden LEAF has partnered with the NC Rural Center to provide training and coaching for project teams. This resource will help broaden the region’s leadership base, enhance community and regional collaborations, and support development of strategic, innovative projects to transform the economy.
The kick-off training will equip participants with information and tools to understand the region’s economic and social data trends; identify regional assets and challenges; and build collaborative partnerships across communities, sectors, and organizations.
Additionally, kick-off participants will learn about engaging in the CBGI and capacity building process, receive coaching and technical assistance, connect with resources, and develop a strategic project for Golden LEAF’s CBGI funding opportunity.
The CBGI process is competitive, but organizations from all counties within the Western Prosperity Zone will have an opportunity to apply. Awards are limited to no more than three projects per county and will total no more than $1.5 million per county. Not all proposals will be funded and not all counties are assured to have funded projects. Funds are limited to projects that address economic development, agriculture, workforce preparedness, infrastructure, and capital costs necessary to create health care jobs.
Golden LEAF launched the initiative in the Western Prosperity Zone through an informational webinar on January 26. Click the links to access the recording as well as the slide presentation.
For more information about the CBGI process and timeline, please visit the Western Prosperity Zone page on our website, email [email protected] or call 252.442.7474.