About

Connect to Golden LEAF’s mission of increasing economic opportunities in rural North Carolina’s rural and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

One of our foundation’s strongest and most long-standing pillars of contribution is the Golden LEAF Scholarship. Scholarships are available to students from qualifying counties, who demonstrate financial need, to help them attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions and community colleges. Golden LEAF’s goal is for scholarship recipients to gain the talent, knowledge, and skills needed to help their communities thrive.

Scholarship Goals

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The Golden LEAF Scholarship is more than tuition and room and board. It provides leadership development opportunities, exposes scholars to career experiences, and promises a lifetime connection to an extraordinary community of Golden LEAF Scholars across the state.

Connection

Connect to Golden LEAF’s mission of increasing economic opportunity in rural North Carolina

Successful Workforce

Successful workforce outcomes and a return to rural North Carolina after graduating from college

Leadership & Experience

Possession of leadership skills and collegiate work experience

College Achievement

Enrollment in and graduation from a college in North Carolina

Our Partners

The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is made possible by several organizations that work hand-in-hand to invest in leaders from rural communities.

Scholarship News

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Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Chandler Bumgarner

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Golden LEAF Scholars graduate with plans to return to rural communities

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Universities hold events to honor Golden LEAF Scholars, ECU celebrates 10 years of scholar receptions

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Golden LEAF Scholarship Alumni Spotlight: Leleah Maher

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Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2025

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Golden LEAF Alumni Spotlight: Brooklyn Brown