State-Level Systemic Change

The State-Level Systemic Change grant is a funding opportunity administered by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR), a private philanthropic organization headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ZSR has a long-standing commitment to supporting efforts that promote equity, democracy, and sustainability across the state. This specific grant is part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to support organizations that are tackling the root causes of systemic issues and working toward meaningful change on a statewide scale. This grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim to bring about systemic change within North Carolina. Funded work must be focused on addressing policies, power structures, and other underlying systems that hinder equitable progress. ZSR emphasizes the importance of collective action led by organizations with diverse strategies and complementary capabilities. Funding is provided to organizations working within and across four primary issue areas: Democracy, Environment, Public Education, and Social and Economic Justice. The Foundation’s approach prioritizes work that engages historically marginalized populations, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, people with low income, women, and youth. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions of higher education, religious entities, government units, and colleges or universities that serve North Carolina residents. Out-of-state organizations may apply if their proposed work benefits North Carolinians. ZSR accepts both general operating support and project-based proposals. Grants typically range between $30,000 and $100,000 annually for one to three years, although awards may fall outside this range depending on the scope of the proposal. Most grants provide multiyear support, reflecting the Foundation's belief in long-term investment for systemic impact. Organizations are encouraged to use strategies such as advocacy, applied research, coalition-building, communications, leadership development, litigation, organizing, and education. Grant funds may be used for general operational needs or specific projects that align with ZSR’s goals. There is no stated requirement for matching funds, and the Foundation does not set a cap on funding requests. However, the request must align proportionately with the work's scope. Applications are accepted twice annually. The summer application cycle is open to all eligible organizations, while the winter round is invitation-only. For the 2025 summer cycle, the application portal opened on Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will close on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Selected applicants will receive site visits from ZSR staff during the fall, with final funding decisions made by the Board of Trustees in early December. Notifications will be sent shortly thereafter. Applicants must submit a completed application through ZSR’s online portal. Required documents include proof of 501(c)(3) status, a list of board members, organizational budgets for the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years, and a project-specific budget if not requesting general operating support. Contact information for application-related questions is available via email at info@zsr.org or phone at (336) 725-7541. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the sample application and budget templates provided on ZSR’s website to ensure their submission meets expectations and aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.

Review sample application and sample budget in advance; ensure project aligns with ZSR issue areas and eligibility rules.