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** A NOTE FROM JOY
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Friends,

An epidemic of hyper-partisan gerrymandering is sweeping across the United States ([link removed]) , and North Carolina is the latest victim.

This month, the NC General Assembly redrew congressional maps for the 2026 election to give one party an extra U.S. House seat. In a state roughly divided among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ([link removed]) , nearly 80% of districts are now safe for one party.

This off-cycle redistricting, done solely for partisan advantage, started in Texas, then spread to California, Missouri and North Carolina. Soon, more states may join the frenzy.

When politicians draw maps to protect their power, voters lose theirs.

Gerrymandering lets elected officials choose their voters instead of the other way around. It deepens polarization, discourages participation and silences entire communities.

Gerrymandering is wrong. Both political parties have done it, and it’s past time for both parties to stop it.

North Carolinians agree. A poll by our grant partners at Common Cause ([link removed]) recently found that:
* 84% of North Carolina voters say it’s never acceptable for politicians to draw districts to help their own party win more seats, no matter the circumstances.
* That’s true across party lines, including 78% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats and 85% of unaffiliated voters.
* A strong majority of voters – 70% – support establishing a bipartisan citizens commission to draw fair voting maps for North Carolina.

At ZSR, we believe our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard, every vote counts and every community has an equal say in shaping North Carolina’s future.

We’ll continue to work with nonprofits and other partners on this issue — for all North Carolinians.

All For NC,

Joy Vermillion Heinsohn

ZSR Executive Director


** GET INSPIRED
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Stories of hope and action

from our partners across NC

A child care subsidy is state and federal funding that helps families pay for child care, but current rates vary by county and often don’t cover the actual cost of providing quality care, especially in NC’s rural areas. More than 500 early care and education providers, backed by many ZSR partners, are urging the legislature to enact a minimum subsidy “floor” rate in NC ([link removed]) to help stabilize the sector and keep early care and education accessible for families. A subsidy floor is a popular and practical policy solution backed by NC’s Early Childhood Task Force and the NC Chamber.

More than 3,700 nonprofits across the nation, including several ZSR partners, are banding together in an alliance dubbed “NATO for nonprofits” ([link removed]) to provide strategic, legal and operational support to any member nonprofit facing retaliation from the federal government for free speech or other lawful activities. Their actions demonstrate the power of coming together to protect our constitutional rights.

A federal bill passed in July will have negative consequences for millions in NC. Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust published a series of fact sheets ([link removed]) that detail what cuts are happening, when they go into effect and how we can collectively respond. For immigrant-serving organizations, this fact sheet on how the bill threatens immigrants’ health is particularly helpful.

October is Housing America Month. Carolina Across 100’s Our State, Our Homes initiative — an 18-month effort to expand affordable housing access across North Carolina — shared critical, localized data for 22 NC counties to help communities address housing challenges ([link removed]) and build more inclusive, affordable living solutions.

A coalition of pro-democracy organizations including many ZSR partners released Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy ([link removed]) , a handbook of recommendations for strengthening NC’s democratic institutions. From ensuring voting access for people with disabilities to combating election disinformation, implementing these ideas would expand North Carolinians’ ability to participate in shaping the future of our state.

Arise Collective unveiled a new public art project called Stitching Stories Reimagined ([link removed]) , a mobile display that will travel to different communities across NC before being permanently installed at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. The art builds on a quilt that was crocheted by women at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women. Created to raise awareness and share the complex stories of incarcerated women — including survivors of domestic violence and mothers separated from their children — the public art is a testament to resilience and shared humanity. Check out the story ([link removed]) and make a plan to go see the art when it’s near you!
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The unveiling of Stitching Stories Reimagined, Arise's inclusive public art, at Benevolence Farm in Graham, NC.


** WHAT’S NEW WITH ZSR?
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As part of ZSR’s commitment to our hometown of Winston-Salem, ZSR awarded $350,000 in grants ([link removed]) to support students and educators across Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as part of the All In For Our Schools ([link removed]) campaign.

Every other year, ZSR's sabbatical program offers $40,000 to up to five nonprofit leaders to take three- to six-month sabbaticals. This year’s application will open on Monday, November 10, at 12 p.m. ET, and will close on Monday, January 12, at 12 p.m. ET. Learn more ([link removed]) and mark your calendar for the application’s opening on Nov. 10!

ZSR Executive Director Joy Vermillion Heinsohn participated in a panel at Press Forward, a gathering for funders interested in supporting local news, alongside leaders from Dogwood Health Trust ([link removed]) , Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust ([link removed]) and the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund ([link removed]) . Panelists spoke about how NC organizations are collaborating to build a stronger North Carolina through local news.

From left: Susan Mims (Dogwood Health Trust), Dale Anglin (Press Forward), Lizzy Hazeltine (NC Local News Lab Fund), Laura Gerald (Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust) and Joy Vermillion Heinsohn (ZSR)

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Copyright (C) 2025 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. All rights reserved.
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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