Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Seeks Sabbatical Applications

Winston-Salem, NC (October 1, 2007) - The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Sabbatical Program is offering a select group of nonprofit organizational leaders from North Carolina the opportunity to "get off the treadmill" during part of 2008.  This program rewards nonprofit leaders who have made exceptional commitments of time, talent and energy to their nonprofit organizations.  The application deadline is December 1, 2007.

Awards of $25,000 will be given to five full-time paid nonprofit organizational leaders who are experiencing burnout and stress on the job and who could benefit from a time of personal growth and rejuvenation.  Each individual sabbatical applicant designs his or her own renewal experience.

"The point is to allow the sabbatical recipients' time to do something for themselves," said Joe Crocker, Interim Executive Director of the Foundation, headquartered in Winston-Salem.  "As a result of recipients' sabbatical activities, their organizations benefit from revitalized, renewed leaders who return to work recommitted to the challenges and rewards of public service," he said. The Foundation hopes that organizations will give a high priority to the personal development and renewal of professionals who work in community-based organizations. 

This will be the eighteenth year that the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation has made sabbaticals possible for nonprofit leaders.  In the past, recipients have used the time to write, read, travel, work on personal projects that have been on hold, study in special areas and places of interest, and strengthen relationships with their families.

Selections are based on the degree of need for a break from the daily stress and challenge of nonprofit work, including the difficulty of the work environment and the potential for continuing to make a significant contribution to their chosen field following their sabbatical.  Preference is given to individuals with at least five years' experience.  This program is not designed for career public school, college, university or government employees.

Applications may be submitted online via the Foundation's web site, www.zsr.org, or in hard copy.  Persons desiring more information about the 2008 sabbatical program should visit www.zsr.org, or write or call: Sabbatical Program Coordinator, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, 147 South Cherry Street, Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101-5287, (336) 725-7541 or (800) 443-8319.

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