7/01/2009

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for a grant under our Small Grant process. As you are probably aware, the Foundation initiated the Small Grant process in the spring cycle of 2009, primarily to more closely align the amount of effort it takes a non-profit organization to complete our grant application with the amount of funds requested. We value your time, and we are committed to not asking for more information than we need.

The effort was very successful, and in spring of 2009, ZSR received approximately 300 small grant applications. In reading these applications, it became apparent that there were misunderstandings about the Small Grant process. I would like to address these so that you can make a good decision about whether to apply using the Small Grant process, the Strategic Grant process, or not at all.

• The small grant process did not change the Foundation’s focus areas. We are still funding in the same five focus areas. Indeed, because of the Foundation’s diminished resources, we must concentrate our available funding even more closely on these focus areas, and we are less likely to fund anything that isn’t aligned well with our “results sought” in either the Small or Strategic Grant pool. Also, please note the limitations on funding in the Pre-Collegiate Education and Democracy and Civic Engagement focus areas that will apply to all applications submitted in the August 2009 grant cycle.
• The Small Grant application pool is not less competitive than is the Strategic Grant application pool. Unfortunately, we receive many more worthwhile applications than the Foundation can fund in both application pools. It is hard to predict which pool will be more competitive. In the fall of 2009, I anticipate that ZSR will be able to make grants totaling no more than $6,000,000, of which approximately $1 million will be from the Small Grants application pool. Thus, I urge you to think through the amount of funding you really need from ZSR, and apply using the application that meets your actual need. Trying to adjust your amount requested so that your application will fall into one pool or the other is not likely to improve your odds of being funded.
• The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation remains committed to funding both statewide and regional organizations that have the capacity to achieve important widespread results in the Foundation’s focus areas and to funding community based and grassroots organizations that are achieving results in their communities or multi-county areas. The Small Grants process is best suited for either (1) general support of community based or multi-county organizations that are achieving results within the Foundation’s focus areas in their localities, or (2) local or statewide, relatively small, time-limited projects.

I know that these are hard times for all non-profits in North Carolina and that many of you are struggling to find the resources you need to continue to do the important work of your organization. I appreciate your personal service and commitment to continuing to meet the needs of the people of the State and of your communities, and to causing positive systemic change. If you have questions about how this letter applies to your organization, feel free to e-mail the program officer in the focus area in which you are working, and if you have questions about the Small Grants Process, feel free to e-mail John Francis.

With best wishes,

Leslie Winner