The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation’s new emerging direction has developed from our long and rich history of investments in North Carolina and our commitment to responding to the state’s changes, the yearlong strategic assessment and planning process we embarked on to understand the changing landscape of North Carolina, and what we heard from North Carolinians throughout this journey. Our emerging direction will continue to evolve over the coming 12 to 18 months as we further design and develop each of its components.
Given that ZSR’s emerging direction will take 12 to 18 months to be fully developed and implemented, our upcoming fall 2017 grant cycle will mark the beginning of the Foundation’s transition and will be the last grant cycle based on our current focus area descriptions. Therefore, ZSR Trustees have made the decision that ZSR’s fall 2017 grant cycle will be closed and by invitation-only. We will not have a traditional spring 2018 grant cycle in order to focus on the design and implementation of ZSR’s emerging direction.
Below are responses to Frequently Asked Questions that might be helpful in answering additional questions regarding the Foundation’s fall 2017 grant cycle:
1. Fall 2017 will be ZSR’s last grant cycle where funding decisions will be made based on ZSR's current focus area descriptions. How will that affect current grantees, former grantees, and organizations that have never applied for or received funding?
ZSR’s fall 2017 grant cycle is closed and by invitation-only. The Foundation will be in touch with invited grantees to describe an application process for renewing support of Ongoing Work*. Please note that receiving an invitation does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded.
Ongoing Work* refers to work that is continued from a grantee’s most recent grant, whether it is a project support grant or a general operating support grant.
2. How will the work of my organization fit with ZSR's emerging direction?
ZSR is intent on ensuring that our continued development of each of the three major strategies is thoughtful and deliberate. ZSR will spend 12 to 18 months transitioning into these major strategies. The development and implementation of the strategies will be on individual timelines, so each strategy is likely to roll out at a different point over the course of 2018. As we develop more details around each of these strategies, we will keep you informed. In the meantime, to receive updates on the Foundation’s emerging direction, please subscribe to ZSR’s Quarterly Update.
3. How will the Foundation communicate with grantees who receive an invitation to apply to continue Ongoing Work?
Grantees who are invited to apply will receive an email by June 15, 2017. The email will outline a process through which organizations can apply to continue Ongoing Work. ZSR will request that organizations reply to confirm receipt of the invitation. If ZSR does not receive confirmation that the emailed was received, ZSR staff will follow up on an individual basis to ensure receipt of the invitation to apply. Applications will be due by August 1, 2017.
This closed, invitation-only application process will be streamlined, meaning that it will involve an abbreviated application and due diligence process. Please note that receiving an invitation does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded.
4. If my organization did not receive an invitation to apply, when will I be able to submit an application?
As the design and implementation of ZSR’s emerging direction is further developed, ZSR will announce opportunities for future grant cycles as well as other ways in which organizations can engage with the Foundation. In the meantime, to receive updates on the Foundation’s emerging direction, please subscribe to ZSR’s Quarterly Update.
5. What if I am a current or former grantee and want to propose new work?
The Foundation will not invite or accept applications for new work at this time. As the emerging direction 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.
6. What if I have never applied or received funding from ZSR and want to propose new work?
The Foundation will not invite or accept applications for new work at this time. As the emerging direction 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.
7. There will not be a traditional spring 2018 grant cycle. Does this mean ZSR will not consider any new work from August 1, 2017 to August 1, 2018?
While there will not be a traditional spring 2018 grant cycle, ZSR will be in touch with information about future funding opportunities as the implementation of ZSR’s new emerging direction is further developed. In the meantime, to receive updates on the Foundation’s emerging direction, please subscribe to ZSR’s Quarterly Update.
8. Will the Foundation continue its ongoing projects and initiatives during the design and implementation of its emerging direction?
Yes. Most of the Foundation’s projects and initiatives, such as the Sabbatical Program, Non-Profit Internship Program, and Fellowship Program will continue during this time. If you have questions about a specific Foundation-led project, please call the Foundation office.
9. What should I do if I am interested in applying for multi-year funding?
Grantees who receive an invitation may request multi-year funding. However, with rare exceptions, most grants that are awarded will be one year in duration.
10. If I am invited to submit an application by August 1, 2017 for a grant that would not normally be eligible for renewal until spring 2018, if awarded a grant, when will my organization receive payment?
Grantees who are invited to submit an application for Ongoing Work that would normally be eligible to reapply in spring 2018, will receive payment, if awarded a grant, as early as July 2018.
11. What if I received an invitation to apply and have additional questions about this process?
The Foundation will hold a webinar for grantees invited to apply on June 14, 2017 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and a second webinar on June 21, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Invited grantees will receive an email with information about how to participate. Please feel free to contact the Foundation office with questions about the application process or visit our website.
12. What should I expect the Foundation’s work to look like when its emerging direction is complete?
ZSR is intent on ensuring that our continued development of each of the three major strategies is thoughtful and deliberate. ZSR will spend 12 to 18 months transitioning into these major strategies. The development and implementation of the three strategies will be on individual timelines, so each strategy is likely to roll out at a different point over the course of 2018. As we develop more details around each of these strategies, we will keep you informed. Please know that the design and implementation of each strategy will be guided by our core values, with a continued and intentional focus on racial equity.