Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Community Progress Fund applications are open! Local organizations in North Carolina’s 78 rural counties are eligible to apply. These one- or two-year grants help organizations move an idea, issue, project or organization forward. Grants are meant to help groups build on existing momentum to take their work to the next level to improve their local communities. We support a range of organizations, from food banks to family shelters, daycares to theaters. We have funded executive director transition planning, pilot programs, and even building repairs for anchor organizations to ensure they can continue serving their communities. Learn more about eligibility, criteria and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/e-dhQdUH

📢 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY 📢 Community Progress Fund grant applications are open to organizations in NC's 78 rural counties! These grants help organizations build on existing momentum and take their work to the next level to improve their local communities. Applications are open through Thursday, January 30, at 12pm ET. Learn more about eligibility, criteria and how to apply:

In 2024, across North Carolina, people took care of each other and stood up for what's right. In our December newsletter, we reflect on some of those stories and share new ones that highlight how extraordinary North Carolinians are coming together to build a better future for our state. We hope y'all have a restful end-of-year and holiday season. The work continues in 2025!

This Marketplace story underscores how important it is to continue supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Love the Mountain BizWorks shout out -- they're an Asheville-based nonprofit that is providing assistance for small business owners through loans, grants and guidance. Check out WNC Strong for more info about the coalition of organizations engaged in this critical work: https://lnkd.in/ejj7BZfs

ZSR has a new brand and website! Our new look reaffirms our commitment to partnering with the extraordinary people of North Carolina to build a just, inclusive and sustainable state for all. While ZSR’s grantmaking strategies have not changed, our visuals mark a shift from the traditional image of the past to a more inclusive, optimistic future. Over the next several weeks, we’ll share a lot more. In the meantime, check out the full brand story, and let us know what you think! We’d love to hear from you. https://lnkd.in/edB2cU2n

Two ZSR grant partners are among more than a dozen groups receiving grants from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to address flooding in NC river basins. The North Carolina Coastal Federation will repair a previously drained wetland along the Newport River, protecting 1,437 acres and managing 750 acre-feet of flood storage. Triangle Land Conservancy will permanently protect 400 acres of floodplain and wetlands on the 602-acre Lowgrounds property in Johnston County. Learn more about the projects: https://lnkd.in/eB3aWTZY Photo: The Newport River at sunset, courtesy of the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

The Nonprofit Internship Program (NPIP) is now accepting applications! NPIP connects college students with North Carolina nonprofits for paid summer internships. To apply, you must be: -A North Carolina native/resident at an accredited four-year college or university in the US; -A rising sophomore, junior, or senior; -Pell grant-eligible during the current academic year. 📅 Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 Don't miss this chance to gain meaningful experience and make a difference. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/e86wdjZA

Did you know helping parents of young children get back into the workforce could add up to $7.5 billion to NC's GDP? But to make that happen, we must invest in childcare and early education. Read more from NC Child & North Carolina Department of Commerce:

As North Carolina evolves, our foundation does too. Soon we’ll reveal a new brand and website that reflect who we are and reaffirm our commitment to partnering with the extraordinary people of North Carolina to drive positive and sustained change. Can’t wait to share more. 

At ZSR, we believe in the power of collective action to build a brighter future for North Carolina. Next month, we’re launching a new brand and website that celebrates this spirit of collaboration, highlighting how extraordinary North Carolinians are standing up to shape the future they want — a future where all are free to pursue their dreams and lead fulfilling lives. Watch this space as we get ready to launch! 👀