Below are responses to Frequently Asked Questions that might be helpful in answering additional questions that applicants have regarding the State-Level Systemic Change Strategy Fall 2020 grant cycle:
1. How is the Foundation defining a SLSC December 2020 Grantee?
SLSC December 2020 Grantees are defined as State-Level Systemic Change Strategy (SLSC) grantees whose grant terms are scheduled to end in December 2020. SLSC December 2020 Grantees who are looking to continue ongoing work are eligible to fill out a streamlined application. Any organization that is not a SLSC December 2020 Grantee applying to do ongoing work will need to submit ZSR’s standard application. For example, if you are a new applicant, a former grantee or a current grantee applying for new work, you will need to submit our standard application.
2. How will the Fall 2020 grant cycle affect SLSC December 2020 Grantees seeking to continue ongoing work?
ZSR will send an email to SLSC December 2020 Grantees by June 1, 2020 outlining a process through which they can apply to continue their ongoing work. As part of this process, there will be a streamlined application. Streamlined applications will be due on July 23, 2020 at 12:00pm (noon). Though the Foundation will use a streamlined application for SLSC December 2020 Grantees, this process does not imply that a grant will be awarded. Any organization that is not a SLSC December 2020 Grantee applying to do ongoing work will need to submit a standard application, which also is due on July 23, 2020 at 12:00pm (noon). For example, if you are a new applicant, a former grantee or a current grantee applying for new work, you will need to submit a standard application.
3. How is the Foundation defining ongoing work?
Ongoing work is defined as work that is continued from a SLSC December 2020 Grantee’s most recent State-Level Systemic Change grant, whether it is a project support grant or a general operating support grant.
4. What if I am a SLSC December 2020 Grantee and want to propose new work?
SLSC December 2020 Grantees wishing to apply for support of new work will need to submit ZSR’s standard application by July 23, 2020 at 12:00pm (noon). This application will not be a streamlined application; rather it will be our standard application, which requires additional information.
5. Why is ZSR holding a streamlined application process for SLSC December 2020 Grantees who are pursuing ongoing work?
In recognition of the existing relationship the Foundation has with its current State-Level Systemic Change grantees whose grants will be ending in December 2020, which we are referring to as SLSC December 2020 Grantees, we have chosen to provide them with a streamlined application process only if they are applying for a continuation of their ongoing work.
6. What if I am not a SLSC December 2020 Grantee applying to do ongoing work?
While the Foundation has a smaller funding pool to make State-Level Systemic Change Strategy grants in the Fall of 2020, ZSR will have an open cycle to accept applications from any eligible organization that is interested in applying for a grant to do state-level systemic change work. These organizations should submit ZSR’s standard application by July 23, 2020 at 12:00pm (noon).
7. Why is ZSR not allowing a streamlined application for all applicants, in light of COVID-19?
ZSR is providing a streamlined application for SLSC December 2020 Grantees only if they are applying for a continuation of their ongoing work. ZSR is asking all other applicants to fill out ZSR’s standard application so that we can better understand the work that new applicants, former grantees or current grantees applying for new work are looking to do, some of which may be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
8. What should I do if I am interested in applying for multi-year funding?
ZSR wants to be supportive of our longstanding State-Level Systemic Change grantee partners who are continuing to impact state level systems change, and at the same time remain open to new ideas and opportunities, some of which may be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. responsive, flexible and adaptive the Foundation has a smaller funding pool for the Fall 2020 grant cycle.
9. What if I am a SLSC December 2020 Grantee whose grant ends after December 2020 and would like to apply for a project grant or new work? For example, if my organization already has a general operating support grant and would like to apply for additional funding that is timely in the current context?
Your organization would be able to apply for another grant; however, your organization would need to submit ZSR’s standard application, which requires additional information. Applications are due by July 23, 2020 at 12:00pm (noon).
10. If awarded a State-Level Systemic Change grant, when will my organization receive payment of these funds from ZSR?
Organizations that are awarded a State-Level Systemic Change Strategy grant in November 2020 will receive payment in January 2021.
11. What if my organization has more than one active grant?
Please contact your program officer.
12. What if I am a SLSC December 2020 Grantee and have additional questions about the streamlined application process?
Please contact your program officer.
13. What if I am not a SLSC December 2020 Grantee applying for ongoing work and have additional questions about applying for a State-Level Systemic Change grant this Fall?
Please email info@zsr.org.