ZSR’s New Brand Emphasizes Collective Action for North Carolina’s Future
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is excited to announce the launch of our new brand, reaffirming our commitment to partnering with the extraordinary people of North Carolina to create positive and sustained change.
ZSR is rooted in an almost 90-year history, but our new brand looks to the future.
Our vision is a just, inclusive and sustainable North Carolina, where people embrace our common humanity and work together to shape our collective future.
ZSR’s new visual identity is built on the concept of “Joining Forces for Change.” In our logo, different shapes combine to make unique letterforms, symbolizing that when diverse North Carolinians join together — bringing different perspectives, backgrounds and talents — we can build a just, inclusive and sustainable future that benefits all of us.
A Story of Bold Action Led by Extraordinary North Carolinians
North Carolina is at the heart of this story.
The people of our state are facing so many challenges: environmental pollution and climate disasters, attacks on human rights, disinvestment in children and families, rising inequality, distrust and divisiveness.
And yet North Carolina has never been defined by its challenges. Our state is defined by the power and potential of collective action for good.
We see this evidenced by the extraordinary work of people in the state’s nonprofit sector.
Our grant partners are building and strengthening coalitions of North Carolinians standing up to shape the future they want — a future where all are free to pursue their dreams and lead fulfilling lives.
Our partners are working tirelessly so that all North Carolinians are informed, engaged and empowered to take action on issues that affect their lives.
They are ensuring all residents, from the mountains to the coast, have clean air, safe water, access to healthy environments and the tools to address and adapt to climate change.
They are advocating for local public schools so that all children, of every background, race and ZIP code, have the freedom to learn and pursue their dreams.
They are creating a future where all North Carolinians, regardless of what they look like or how much is in their wallet, are treated with dignity and respect and feel secure in their ability to provide for themselves and their families.
And they’re working locally to improve their communities across the state, from providing families with food and shelter to enriching lives through the arts.
In Concord, NC, children learn at Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool, one of two schools operated by local nonprofit Families First. Photo by Kate Medley
On the coast, researchers with ZSR grant partner NC Coastal Federation collect samples from the Newport River after heavy rain. Photo courtesy of NCCF
In the Triangle, high school students participate in a food justice workshop with NC Asian Americans Together. Photo courtesy of NCAAT
In Robbinsville, NC, Ella Bird of the Snowbird Cherokee community stands next to a mural created by a nonprofit-led coalition. Photo by Zena Rattler
In Delco, NC, youth interns assemble bags of fresh produce at the Men and Women United for Youth and Families Food Hub. Photo by Cornell Watson
Reaffirming ZSR’s Collaborative Approach to Change
To create our new brand and website, we partnered with dozens of North Carolinians, including several grant partners. This advisory group guided ZSR at every step of the way, from crafting our first-ever vision statement to reviewing logo concepts and color palettes to advising on website structure and content.
Our brand and website were designed with and for grant partners. While ZSR’s grantmaking strategies and priorities haven’t changed, our new website makes them clearer with a streamlined structure and refreshed language.
ZSR’s new visual identity also reaffirms our longstanding commitment to collaborative partnerships statewide.
“We are proud to work alongside our grant partners and others who bring courage and boldness to the work of making our state a better place for everyone,” says ZSR Executive Director Joy Vermillion Heinson. “This new brand is a testament to that shared commitment and a signal of the continued progress we will make together.”
A New Look for a Hopeful Future
Our new brand and website mark a shift from the traditional image of the past to a more inclusive, optimistic future.
We look forward to continuing to partner with extraordinary North Carolinians to improve lives for many years to come.
“Our emphasis is on the future of North Carolina, a future influenced by individuals from every corner of our state,” said Virgil Smith, President of ZSR’s Trustees. “For nearly 90 years, ZSR has served as both a collaborator and a catalyst for social change, partnering with hundreds of nonprofit organizations. We are dedicated to being a powerful advocate for hope and progress, standing alongside the people of North Carolina as we collectively strive to enhance the quality of life for everyone.”
Our emphasis is on the future — a future influenced by individuals from every corner of our state.
Virgil Smith, ZSR Board President
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