State-Level Systemic Change

When we refer to “systems,” we are talking about the many conditions that hold social or environmental problems in place, including policies, processes, relationships, power structures, narratives, values, beliefs and more. 

We recognize systemic and structural barriers, particularly related to race, prevent many North Carolinians from achieving their dreams and living fulfilling lives. 

By “systemic change,” we mean working toward fundamental changes in these systems to remove barriers that hold people back, and to build better systems that serve all North Carolinians effectively.

Yes. We believe that lasting state-level systemic change is most likely to be achieved and sustained through the combined efforts of networks of local, regional and statewide organizations. These organizations work with different constituencies, using multiple strategies and approaches, and collaborate towards common or aligned goals.

We recognize the importance of local organizations in providing on-the-ground capacity for systemic change, and their collective ability to contribute to state-level systemic change. 

Most of our grant partners work at the state level or regionally, and some operate locally. However, all are connected to statewide efforts to advance just, inclusive and sustainable systems within and across our four issue areas. 

We seek to support organizations that are willing to complement and amplify each other’s work.

We often support organizations whose work fits into more than one priority area. We call this type of work “cross-cutting.” In the grant application, we ask organizations to briefly explain the nature of their cross-cutting work. 

Organizations applying as or through a fiscal sponsor should contact ZSR at [email protected] before submitting an application.

ZSR will consider grant applications submitted by public charities acting as fiscal sponsors, provided that ZSR is satisfied the fiscal sponsor will exercise actual control over grant funds, rather than acting as a mere agent or conduit for the sponsored organization. 

If a grant is awarded to a fiscal sponsor, the fiscal sponsor will be accountable for all aspects of the grant.

The fiscal sponsor must provide a copy of any agreement between the fiscal sponsor and the sponsored organization with the grant application. 

Please be aware that not all arrangements that are described as “fiscal sponsorships” will satisfy IRS requirements. 

ZSR does not prepare fiscal sponsorship agreements or otherwise provide legal advice to grant partners or prospective grant partners. We encourage you to seek advice and assistance from your own counsel.

ZSR is legally prohibited from funding:

• Voter registration
• Work that supports or opposes individual candidates or influences election outcomes

With rare exceptions, ZSR does not fund the following under State-Level Systemic Change:

• Academic and medical research
• Animal species preservation or rehabilitation
• Building projects or renovations
• Capital campaigns
• Conferences, seminars, or symposiums
• Civic clubs 
• Endowment funds
• Equipment, furniture or computer purchases
• Environmental education centers and programs for children
• Fraternal organizations 
• Fundraising events
• Greenways
• Individual schools or projects that support a limited number of schools within a school district, or a limited number of schools in multiple school districts
• Individual early childhood centers or out-of-school time programs
• Teacher professional development
• Pre-K through 12th grade public school curriculum development and/or implementation
• Initiatives promoting religious education or doctrine
• Land purchases 
• Overhead and indirect costs for colleges and universities
• Projects that focus exclusively on direct services (e.g., child abuse treatment and prevention services, homeless shelters, health care services) 
• Payment of debts
• Plant species preservation
• Preservation of historic properties
• Private business ventures
• Scholarships
• Supplemental educational programs such as summer camps, athletic teams, drop-out prevention programs, and youth vocational and character development programs

General Operating Support Grants: 

General operating support grants provide funding for an organization’s overall activities and mission. These grants allow the organization to adapt how it spends the funds based on its needs and the changing environment. Subject to certain legal restrictions, general operating support can be used flexibly to fund the activities the organization identifies as most important to achieving its mission, including operating expenses and overhead.

Project Grants:

Project grants support a specific project or activity of the organization and are tied to specific, project-based outcomes. If your organization is seeking funding for a specific project rather than your overall mission, then a project grant may be the appropriate choice.

General Operating Support Grants: 

Grant terms are one, two or three years. Most grants are for two or three years, but there are exceptions for various reasons, such as:

• The grant partner is new to ZSR.
• The work to be performed by the grant partner is new, untested or experimental.
• The work is time-limited. 

Project Grants: 

There is no standard term for project grants.

Open Application Timeline:

• Early June: Application opens
• Late July or early August: Application closes
• September-October: ZSR staff conduct site visits for selected applicants
• November: ZSR trustees meet to make funding decisions
• Late November: Applicants are notified of funding decisions
• January: Grant funds distributed

Invitation-Only Application Timeline: 

Applications for the invitation-only grant cycle are due by a deadline specified by ZSR when invitations are sent out. Grant decisions for this cycle are made in May.

If you’re experiencing technical difficulties with your online application, contact Beth Priddy, Grants Administrator:

• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Phone: 336-725-7541, ext. 109

For general questions or guidance on your organization’s application:

Phone: 336-725-7541 or 1-800-443-8319

Email: [email protected]