Below are responses to Frequently Asked Questions that might be helpful in answering additional questions that applicants have:
1. How will suspending the Spring 2017 grant cycle affect current grantees, former grantees, and organizations that have never applied for or received funding?
The Foundation will be in touch with Current Grantees (see below for definition) directly to describe a process for renewing support of Ongoing Work or New Work.
Current Grantees include recipients of:
- A one-year grant in November 2015 or May 2016;
- An 18-month grant in May 2015 or November 2015;
- A two-year grant in November 2014 or May 2015.
Ongoing Work refers to work that is continued from a Current Grantee’s most recent grant, whether it is a project support grant or a general operating support grant.
New Work refers to a new project support grant or new general operating support grant that is not associated with a Current Grantee’s most recent grant.
If you are a Current Grantee and have not received an email from us by June 2, please contact your program officer or the Foundation office.
If you are a Former Grantee (i.e., a grantee that does not meet the definition of a Current Grantee) or an organization that has never applied for or received funding, see response to Question 4.
2. How will the Foundation handle Current Grantees seeking to continue Ongoing Work?
The Foundation will send an email to Current Grantees by June 1, 2016 outlining a process through which they can apply to continue their Ongoing Work. As part of this process, there will be a streamlined application. Applications will be due by August 1, 2016. Though the Foundation will use a streamlined application for Current Grantees, this streamlined application does not imply that a grant will be awarded.
3. What if I am a Current Grantee and want to propose New Work?
Current Grantees wishing to apply for support of New Work should submit an application through our regular online application portal by August 1, 2016. This application will not be a streamlined application; rather it will be our standard application.
4. What if I have never applied for or received funding from the Foundation or I am a Former Grantee?
Organizations that are not Current Grantees wishing to apply for a grant should submit an application through our regular online application portal by August 1, 2016. This application will not be a streamlined application; rather it will be our standard application.
5. What should I do if I am interested in applying for multi-year funding?
Organizations applying for Ongoing Work or New Work may request multi-year funding. However, because ZSR will be embarking on a strategic assessment, the Foundation anticipates making a limited number of multi-year awards.
6. What if I am a Current Grantee who has been the recipient of a small grant? Will there be a separate streamlined application?
No. There will be one streamlined application for Current Grantees, regardless of whether you have received a small grant or a strategic grant. The amount an organization can request will not be capped; however, there is no guarantee that the Foundation will make a grant beyond $35,000 if the organization is currently the recipient of a small grant.
7. If I submit an application on August 1, 2016 for a grant that would not normally come up for renewal until Spring 2017, when will my organization receive payment of these funds from ZSR?
Current Grantees who submit an application for Ongoing Work on August 1, 2016 that would normally have come up for renewal in Spring 2017 will receive payment after July 1, 2017.
8. There will not be a Spring 2017 grant cycle. Does this mean ZSR will not consider any new proposals from August 1, 2016 to August 1, 2017?
There will not be a Spring 2017 grant cycle. As the strategic assessment unfolds, Foundation Trustees plan to remain flexible in order to be able to address timely or urgent opportunities that may arise during this time period.
9. What if my organization has more than one active grant?
Please contact your program officer.
10. What should I expect the Foundation’s work to look like at the end of this strategic assessment?
The Foundation will continue to be dedicated to building a more equitable, sustainable and vibrant state. It is difficult, however, to predict at this point what direction the Foundation will take as a result of the strategic assessment. Just as many of our grantees have crafted new strategies for their work in recent years, so now the Foundation begins its journey of discerning how it can best serve the people of North Carolina. The Foundation values the work of our partners and grantees. We will draw upon their knowledge and expertise throughout this process and plan to share our learnings at the conclusion of the assessment.
11. Will the Foundation cease all of its ongoing projects and initiatives during the strategic assessment?
No. Most of the Foundation’s projects and initiatives, such as the Non-Profit Internship Program, Fellowship Program and Racial Equity Initiative will continue during this time. If you have questions about a specific Foundation-led project, please call a program officer or the Foundation office.
12. What if I am a Current Grantee and have additional questions about these new processes?
The Foundation will be holding a webinar for Current Grantees on June 3, 2016 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and a second webinar on June 24, 2016 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Current grantees will receive an email with information about how to participate.