Calling All Veteran Nonprofit Leaders Apply for a ZSR Sabbatical and take a break

Announcements, News

Often, the most creative and inspirational leaders in the nonprofit sector are extremely committed to the work they do. However, because of this selfless dedication, they can reach a point of burnout, where they have completely expended their personal energy. A break allows them time to re-energize to return to work with fresh ideas and newfound momentum.
 
Since 1990, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation has offered a Sabbatical Program to honor North Carolina’s nonprofit leaders for their dedicated service and commitment to the sector. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has invested $3 million in the Sabbatical Program and provided awards to more than 130 nonprofit leaders.
 
The Foundation awards up to five sabbaticals every other year and is currently accepting applications for its 2018 Sabbatical Program. The deadline to apply is November 2, 2017. (Please note: ZSR Sabbaticals will not be offered again until 2020.)
 
ZSR’s Sabbatical Program is intended to provide veteran nonprofit leaders with a three to six month break from work that allows time to focus on their personal needs, growth and self-revitalization so that they can return to their organizations with a rejuvenated spirit and renewed sense of focus.
 
The awarded compensation ($30,000) and $10,000* to each organization for planning and transition expenses, provides the financial support necessary for sabbatical recipients to temporarily leave their place of employment. (*Of the $10,000, at least $5,000 must go toward activities that will enhance the recipient’s entire organization. For example, staff retreats, team building exercises, mentoring opportunities, and/or other activities to support the staff.) The Foundation increased this financial support from $5,000 to $10,000 to make it easier for individuals of organizations to apply.
 
For additional information about ZSR’s Sabbatical Program or to apply for a sabbatical, click here. To listen to firsthand experiences from former sabbatical recipients, click here.
 
We also encourage you to pass along this information to anyone who might be interested in this one of a kind program. Please contact LaRita Bell (larita@zsr.org; 336-725-7541) with questions.
 
Thank you to all nonprofit leaders who are doing good and important work across the state. And thank you to all those who support these leaders in their efforts.