Progress Fund Application Information

See update to CPF 2022-2023 grant cycle from Executive Director Maurice "Mo" Green.

See FAQs for CPF 2022-2023 grant cycle.

The Community Progress Fund is designed to provide an infusion of short-term funding at a pivotal moment and is intended to build on existing momentum to help move an issue, an idea or an organization forward. The range for Progress Fund grant awards is $20,000-$30,000 per year for one to two years.

 ZSR asks that proposals demonstrate existing momentum within the community, and how, with an infusion of funds, an issue or an organization will move forward to test an idea or achieve greater impact. ZSR hopes that engaging with community members through the Progress Fund grant cycle will allow the Foundation to support communities and better understand how different communities experience change, opportunity, and challenges in unique ways. Thus, the parameters for this approach are intentionally broad. In addition, ZSR desires to be accessible to areas of the state that have relatively higher needs and fewer resources.  Consequently, preference will be given to those areas of the state.

Our goal is to award a significant portion of grants to organizations that are run by and primarily serve people of color; therefore, ZSR strongly encourages proposals from these organizations.

Please note that submitting an application is the preliminary step in introducing a proposal to ZSR. Therefore, it is not necessary to contact a ZSR staff member.

Read more about ZSR's Progress Fund selection criteria. Applicants must submit an application. (Please note: The application, which is relatively short, replaces the former Letter of Intent for ZSR's Community Progress Fund.) ZSR will review applications and contact select applicants who will move to the next phase of the process, which includes ZSR staff scheduling visits in these communities, or virtually if necessary. Grant decisions will be made in May.

Email info@zsr.org with questions about the Community Progress Fund.