The applications will be submitted to the Golden LEAF Foundation Community Assistance Initiative. The foundation set aside $10 million for 21 counties to compete for the funding and only six to 10 counties will be selected to move forward in the process.

Those wishing to participate must provide a clear and feasible plan for implementation and sustainability. They must directly impact Golden LEAF priority areas including agriculture, education, physical infrastructure, healthcare and workforce development. Low priorities include proposals related to tourism, arts, cultural resources, shell buildings and emergency services and social services.

Organizations must submit the requested information by 5 p.m. October 1. The county's management team will rate the requests and submit them to county commissioners October 7.

Grant awards will typically be limited to one to three projects per county with a maximum $1.5 million awarded to each county with a 20 percent local match.

Golden LEAF will make a final decision and notify counties by November 8 if selected to move forward.

As of today, only a few entities have inquired, according to County Manager Tony Brown, who encourages more to apply.

For more information contact Dia Denton at 252-583-1131 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.