According to information posted at tobaccotrustfund.org, entities eligible to receive grants include and are limited to agencies and departments of the State of North Carolina, local government units such as county offices and towns, agencies and departments of the United States government, non-profit organizations, and members of the private sector. Grantees must deliver an appropriate service to members of the targeted populations as described under G.S. 143-715.

 

The Trust Fund's criteria notes that projects must benefit and impact one or more of three specific areas:

 

• A population that is tobacco-dependent at the manufacturing level and/or farm level and is

experiencing economic distress.

 

• A population that has been adversely affected by changes in the state’s tobacco industry

 

• A population that derives most of its income from agriculture

 

Interested parties have until Feb. 20 to seek guidance and information from Trust Fund staff about the grant process and project ideas. Applications are due by March 5. The review process can include site visits and personal interviews, and applicants should be prepared to provide additional information to the review committee, if it is requested.

 

The Tobacco Trust Fund was created by the General Assembly in 2000 to receive and disburse funds from the Master Settlement Agreement between the state and cigarette manufacturers.