Strengthening Democracy FAQs

Q:  What changes were made to the Democracy focus area in 2010?

A:  Three changes were made, effective May 21, 2010:

  • The focus area is now titled “Strengthening Democracy.” This change reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to better and fairer government and governance structures. In addition, since the Foundation encourages civic engagement on issues across all five of its focus areas, not just this one, the Board believes this title is more appropriate than the previous “Democracy and Civic Engagement” title.
  • The description of what the Foundation wants to achieve in this focus area has been revised (see revised focus area description).
  • The process for grant submission has changed for this focus area only. Starting with the August 2, 2010 grant deadline and continuing for up to three years, ZSR will continue to accept small grant applications (of up to $35,000 per year for up to two years) from any eligible organization. However, for grants of more than $35,000 per year, the Foundation will only accept applications from organizations that have been granted permission to apply. 

Q:  Why have the changes been made?

A:  In 2009, the ZSR Board conducted a review of its Democracy and Civic Engagement focus area, assessing the needs of the state and the impact of the Foundation’s grantmaking over the past six years. The Foundation is making these changes to become more targeted in its grant investments, wanting to have the greatest impact it can with limited dollars.

Q:  Do the changes apply to all focus areas?

A:  No. The process changes regarding who can apply are only for the Strengthening Democracy focus area.

Q:  Can I still apply for a grant in this focus area?

A:  Yes. Any eligible organization may apply for a grant through the Small Grant application process, which awards grants of up to $35,000 per year for up to two years at a time. 

Q:  How can my organization be granted permission to apply for a strategic grant (meaning a grant of over $35,000/year)?

A: Due to the Foundation’s recent announcement to suspend its Spring 2017 grant cycle, the Foundation will not permit any strategic grant applications for New Work. for the Strengthening Democracy focus area. Current Grantees in the Strengthening Democracy focus area may apply for grant funding for Ongoing Work. To learn more about how the Foundation defines New Work versus Ongoing Work, please see our Strategic Assessment FAQs. If you have questions, please contact info@zsr.org.

Q:  If my organization is granted permission to apply, when will I be notified?

A:  The Foundation will try to notify organizations that are permitted to apply no later than June 1 (for the August deadline) and December 1 (for the February deadline). However, the Foundation reserves the right to grant permission to apply after those dates in limited circumstances.

Q:  If an organization is granted permission to apply, does that guarantee funding?

A:  Permission to apply for an application is NOT a guarantee of funding. Applications will compete against all other applications - from all focus areas - received in a given grant cycle. 

Q:  I submitted an e-mail inquiry. When will I be notified whether or not my organization can submit an application?

A:  Upon receipt of the e-mail inquiry, you will receive an e-mail response stating that your inquiry has been received. Depending on when the e-mail is received, it could take anywhere from two weeks to several months before you will be notified as to whether or not your organization is permitted to apply. The Foundation will contact you as soon as a decision is made and, if you are permitted to submit a proposal, we will make every effort to give your organization two months’ notice before an application deadline. If it has been more than two months since you submitted an e-mail inquiry and you have not heard from the Foundation beyond initial receipt of the e-mail, feel free to contact the Foundation.

Q:  What if we are a governmental agency and have no governing board?

A:  Write “N/A” in the sections of the application that request information about your board.