The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) is now accepting grant applications for 2026. Organizations that support the agricultural industry, impact rural communities, and revive the economy are welcome to apply.
“These grants are an important investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture,” said William H. “Bill” Teague, NCTTFC chairman, in a press release. “The 2026 grant cycle will continue to support innovative projects that help farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities adapt and grow.”
Applications are due on March 6, and application guidelines are found here. Grant awardees will receive funds for selected projects in the fall of 2026.
North Carolina produces 260.1 million pounds of tobacco annually, accounting for 60% of US tobacco production and making North Carolina the No. 1 producer in the nation.
According to data from the Office of the US Trade Representative, in 2024, North Carolina exported $5.9 billion in goods to China, $1.2 billion to Japan, $13 billion to Asia, and $9.7 billion to the European Union. In 2022, North Carolina exported $533 million in tobacco.
North Carolina has 822 tobacco farms, generating $557 million in revenue and adding $197 million to the state’s GDP, according to a report from the John Locke Foundation. Tobacco manufacturers in the state generate $36 billion in output and contribute $31 billion to the state’s GDP, employing approximately 5,000 workers and paying them $370 million in wages. The tobacco wholesale sector generates $15.3 billion in revenue, adds $9 billion to GDP, and supports around 4,500 jobs.
The North Carolina General Assembly established the NCTTFC in 2000 to support members of the tobacco community, including farmers, tobacco workers, and industry-adjacent businesses, according to the press release. Funding for the commission comes from tobacco industry annual payments resulting from the Master Settlement Agreement. Grant funding is appropriated through the state budget to the NCTTFC, which reviews, selects, and distributes grant funds.
In the past, NCTTFC grant projects have included improvements to farmers’ markets, cost-share programs, commodity marketing, alternative crop research, and support for agricultural education.
The grant application, a list of past grants, and additional information can be found here.