An update from ZSR’s Executive Director

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Dear friends,

Greetings! I am delighted to be back at the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) and back in community with all of you.

As you may know, ZSR has been in a period of transition. I am writing to provide an update on where we have been, where we’re headed, and what you can expect from us in the coming months.

First and foremost, I want you to know that we are as committed as ever to standing with those who are working and fighting for a North Carolina where everyone thrives – where there is shared prosperity and respect for our shared humanity.

Like many of you, we are still emerging from the dizzying effects of the past few years. The trifecta of the pandemic, national racial reckoning, and political volatility in our democracy has wreaked havoc on our collective nervous system. And in North Carolina, for those who share ZSR’s values ([link removed]) , it feels like the hits just keep on coming. Many days, it is easy to feel hopeless.

I recently heard a lecture from Bryan Stevenson, founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. Despite the taxing work he does, he maintains a hopeful spirit because, as he shared, “Without hope, justice can’t prevail.”

And so I ask you to join me in maintaining hope for North Carolina’s future.

I have hope because, at ZSR, we speak every day with North Carolinians who are change agents in their communities. We see and hear the good work of remarkable people like you — work that doesn’t always make it into our news streams and social media feeds.

Our state must maintain a hopeful identity, and ZSR is ready to show up, to listen and to partner with you to translate hope into action.

TO OUR GRANTEE PARTNERS:

Thank you for the important work you do. Know that we see you – we keep up with your efforts and want to stay abreast of your work. If you have any questions about your current grant or point of contact at ZSR, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call 336.725.7541 so that we can assist you in getting connected to your program officer.

TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS:

Our grant cycles are resuming. Grant applications for our State-Level Systemic Change ([link removed]) cycle will open on June 1st, and the application deadline will be July 27th. You will receive more information about this funding opportunity via email on June 1st.

Our Community Progress Fund ([link removed]) grant cycle will open in early 2024. Stay tuned.

There are challenges before us in North Carolina. We won’t solve all of them this year, or even this decade. And we won’t solve them by ourselves. But I have hope that the work we do together in the coming days and weeks and years will bear fruit for generations to come.

Please be in touch with ideas and opportunities for partnership. We would love to hear from you!

With gratitude,
Joy's signature
Joy Vermillion Heinsohn
Executive Director
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
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The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation sends periodic updates, funding opportunities, and regular newsletters to people who have opted in via our website, participated in our programs or events, or applied for a grant.

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