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Sabbatical Program
Online submission for the Sabbatical application is encouraged.
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Sabbatical Program is looking for leaders working in nonprofit organizations in North Carolina.
WHAT IS A SABBATICAL?
A sabbatical is a three to six month period during which nonprofit leaders take a leave of absence from the organizations at which they work. Sabbatical recipients use this time to engage in non-professional development activities of their own choosing to aid in personal renewal and growth. While on hiatus, award recipients travel, study, read, reflect, rest, and/or explore interests unrelated to their field of work.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SABBATICAL PROGRAM?
Sabbaticals offer individuals the opportunity to primarily focus on their personal needs and solely devote themselves to self-revitalization. The awarded compensation provides the financial support necessary to temporarily leave one’s place of employment. It is the Foundation’s hope that sabbatical recipients return recommitted to the challenges and rewards of public service and thus prolong their tenure in the not-for-profit sector.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Eligible applicants are individuals in paid, full-time leadership positions who have served their North Carolina nonprofit organizations for at least three years, two of which as leaders. Preference is given to individuals with at least five years of experience with their organization. Individuals who work for statewide, regional, or local nonprofit organizatins may apply. This program is not designed for career public school, college, university or government employees.
HOW MANY SABBATICALS ARE OFFERED?
Every year, five nonprofit leaders receive sabbatical awards. This number may change from year to year.
HOW MUCH FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS INCLUDED WITH EACH SABBATICAL AWARD?
Each recipient receives $25,000 shortly before their sabbatical begins. The entire award amount is considered taxable income and, thus, is subject to federal and state income taxes. Recipient organizations decide whether to continue to keep sabbatical recipients on their payroll during the sabbatical. Regardless of this decision, the entire award will be paid to the recipient.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIPT OF THE AWARD?
The sabbatical must begin before April of the year after selection and last for one continuous period of three to six months. Recipients are expected to be released completely from their organizational obligations during their sabbatical and to return to their organizations for at least the same length of time as their sabbatical. Those selected must attend one and one half day pre-sabbatical and post-sabbatical retreats. Recipients are expected to submit an 800-1200 word typed report within a month of completing their sabbaticals and provide a short statement for the Foundation's annual report.
HOW DOES A LEADER APPLY?
There are currently three ways to receive application materials:
- You may submit an application electronically by using the IGAM module. Online submission is encouraged.
- To access a saved application (submitted or unsubmitted), click here.
- You may download the Microsoft Word version of the application from the Forms and Publications page on our website.
- You may call, write or e-mail the Foundation and request that an application form be sent to you by mail or fill out the Document Request Form on the Forms and Publications page.
Be sure to complete the items listed under the Application Check List and postmark, hand deliver, or electronically submit all requested information on or before December 1.
APPLICATION CHECK LIST
- Please include the following information when submitting your application.
- A completed application form
- A two to three page narrative describing:
(a) why you need a sabbatical and how you will benefit from it;
(b) what you see yourself doing in the future and what difference a sabbatical will make in your future work; and
(c) why you chose to work in your field. - A brief description of planned sabbatical activities, including your method of assessment
- A proposed sabbatical budget
- An endorsement letter from a board member of your organization including:
a) the plan for organizational management during your absence, and
b) a statement about the particular need for you to receive a sabbatical at this time. - A brief biographical sketch or resume
- The names, addresses and home and work telephone numbers of three references
- From one of these references, a letter describing the particular need for you to receive a sabbatical
HOW ARE SELECTIONS MADE?
By March, initial applications are screened by a Selection Committee composed of representatives of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation's Board of Trustees, staff, Advisory Panel and former recipients. Ten finalists are selected to meet with the Committee in March. Sabbatical award recipients are announced in April. The selection criteria include the accomplishments of the applicant, evidence of need for a sabbatical, the applicant's potential for future contributions in his/her chosen field of work, and the difficulty of the applicant's work environment. In addition, selections will be based on the applicant's timely completion of the application form and related information, the sabbatical description as it relates to personal renewal and professional growth, and the sabbatical budget. Applicants who are not selected for a sabbatical are invited and encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE Z. SMITH REYNOLDS FOUNDATION?
A general purpose foundation designed to benefit the people of North Carolina, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation seeks to initiate rather than to react, to question rather than to accept. It places a higher value on developing new, quality programs rather than sustaining well-funded ones. "A conspiracy of conscience...the Winston-Salem based foundation has spent a half-century helping North Carolina pull itself up by its own bootstraps," according to an article in the Fayetteville Observer. In that spirit, the Foundation's Board of Trustees voted in May 1989 to establish a sabbatical program to reward individuals in nonprofit organization leadership positions who have demonstrated exceptional commitment of time, talent and energy to serving their state, region or local community.
WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATION'S FOCUS AREAS?
The Foundation's focus areas can change according to as the state's needs, but currently they include the following: community economic development; democracy and civic engagement; the environment; pre-collegiate education; and social justice and equity.
