Grants & Gifts to Benefit the Industry
In 2001, the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission Foundation was chartered as a 501 (c) 3 entity. The charitable, research and educational activities conducted through grants and gifts benefit North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry in the following ways:
- Developing a clear understanding of consumers needs and expectations
- Collaborating with researchers and developers for value-added products at the retail and foodservice levels
- Seeking out opportunities with major food manufacturers to increase sweetpotato processing within the state
- Improving retail marketing programs to boost sales during “Off Peak” seasons
- Researching and applying for grant opportunities to fund projects that benefit the industry and consumers which includes food safety, research as to the health benefits of sweetpotatoes, market research and development, and development of economic models for farm profitability and sustainability
Grantors to the NCSPC Foundation include:
- USDA Farm to School Grant (2021)
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (2009-2010)(2015-2016)(2020-2021)
- North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (2007, 2011)(2019)
- NC Department of Justice (2007)
- NC Rural Economic Development Center (2006)
- Golden LEAF Foundation of NC (2001-2006)