Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is a private family foundation based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established in 1936, it supports people and organizations working to improve quality of life across North Carolina, with grantmaking that includes statewide systems change and community-led local efforts.
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc gave $21.7M across 298 grants in 2024 (avg $73K), mostly in North Carolina. 31% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $21,748,494
- -9.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 298
- -2.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $72,982
- -7.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $23,600,855
- -6.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (93 of 298, 2024)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (91% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. When an opportunity is open, applicants can set up an account and submit through the grant portal. The foundation does not accept paper applications; its website provides application materials, deadlines and award restrictions.
- Contact
Mailing address: 102 West Third Street, Winstonsalem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 725-7541
Website: https://www.zsr.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
State-Level Systemic Change Grant
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
Amount
US $30,000 - US $100,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
ZSRF: Community Progress Fund Grant
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
Amount
US $20,000 - US $60,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
ZSRF: Sabbatical Program Grant
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
Amount
US $40,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Wake Forest University ($1.2M). Together the top 10 received $4.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,738 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 925 grants of 1,738 (53%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves North Carolina through statewide, regional and local grantmaking. Its 2024 grants by recipient state were 91% in North Carolina, 2% in New York, 2% in California, 2% in the District of Columbia and 1% in Virginia. Its website says organizations from all 100 North Carolina counties are eligible to apply to the Community Progress Fund, which places special emphasis on organizations based in one of the state’s 78 rural counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 298 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 93 of 298 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $38K; repeat grants $89K. How we count
Medians: $30K first-time, $70K repeat.
- 62% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+11%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $19.6M (2021) to $24.1M (2023). In 2024 it made 298 grants totaling $21.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC | 2027 annual grant, under 1990 contract, for general support, faculty development, and scholarships. | $1,200,000 |
| Legal Aid of NC Raleigh, NC | For general operating support, home defense project, wnc disaster relief | $505,000 |
| University of NC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | 2024 non-profit internship program - ncgrowth (intern - michaela miles/uncg); for general operating support for kenan institute's ncgrowth program, the carolina college advising corps' summer training and professional development, for the school of government's criminal justice innovation lab, and for lfnc, institute for the study of the americas' building integrated communities project, North Carolina native leadership institute's building capacity among North Carolina's tribal communities project | $423,927 |
| Southern Vision Alliance Durham, NC | Durham beyond policing project, for general operating support of its North Carolina work only, it's our future/el futuro es nuestro project, North Carolina collaborative for strong latinx communities (NCCSLC) project, redtailed hawk collective project, refund raleigh project | $420,000 |
| MDC Inc Durham, NC | Arpa partnership project: promoting accountable, equitable, and community-driven investments of public funds, investing in leaders of color institute | $400,000 |
| Public School Forum of NC Raleigh, NC | "2024 non-profit internship program - dudley flood center (intern - darryl joseph/fsu), dudley flood center for educational equity and opportunity project, public schools matter campaign, general operating support | $379,800 |
| Democracy NC Morrisville, NC | Carolina youth partnership: youth engagement project, rapid response: nonpartisan voter guide proposal | $350,000 |
| Neo Philanthropy New York, NY | Cypress fund project, North Carolina local news lab (NCLNL) fund project | $325,000 |
| Blueprint NC Durham, NC | For General Operating Support | $300,000 |
| NC Center for Nonprofit Organizations Raleigh, NC | Capacity building grants - cms program, for general operating support | $293,549 |
Ready to take the next step with Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation’s website reports that it has invested more than $730 million in organizations since its founding. Its 2024 filing describes direct charitable activities that include a sabbatical program for eligible nonprofit leaders and their organizations, the Inclusive Public Art Initiative, and intermediary support related to grant-cycle evaluation and collaborative work.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,600,855 | $25,288,862 | $26,797,686 | $21,748,494 | 298 | $26,743,835 | $418,425 | $488,296 |
| 2023 | $25,109,679 | $25,216,380 | $28,375,813 | $24,142,655 | 307 | $28,336,477 | $386,759 | $694,493 |
| 2022 | $28,269,112 | $27,918,388 | $24,079,195 | $20,399,958 | 420 | $24,278,166 | $214,782 | $700,694 |
| 2021 | $24,429,919 | $23,743,960 | $23,237,742 | $19,609,099 | 357 | $23,222,746 | $488,187 | $679,101 |
| 2020 | $23,923,701 | $24,103,652 | $23,533,411 | $19,613,861 | 356 | — | $993,245 | $631,192 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $488K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to support people and organizations working to improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. Its grantmaking framework names three strategies: State-Level Systemic Change, the Community Progress Fund and Special Projects. State-Level Systemic Change supports work on democracy, the environment, public education, and social and economic justice. The Community Progress Fund provides flexible, short-term support for community-led efforts, with special emphasis on organizations based in rural North Carolina. Special Projects include the Inclusive Public Art Initiative.
The foundation says it makes grants to charitable tax-exempt organizations, colleges and universities, religious entities and government units for work serving North Carolina. Out-of-state organizations may apply for projects operating in the state. Examples among its 2024 grantees illustrate the range of supported work: Wake Forest University describes its work as higher education; Southern Vision Alliance says it provides capacity-building and support to grassroots projects and collaborations led by directly impacted communities; and Public School Forum of NC says it works toward equitable public education through research, policy analysis and programs.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 298 grants totaling $21,748,494. Grant amounts ranged from $100 to $1,200,000, with a median of $50,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $1,200,000 to Wake Forest University for general support, faculty development and scholarships; $505,000 to Legal Aid of NC for general operating support, its Home Defense Project and western North Carolina disaster relief; and $423,927 to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for several programs and projects, including the Kenan Institute’s NCGrowth program and the School of Government’s Criminal Justice Innovation Lab. Other notable grants included $420,000 to Southern Vision Alliance for several North Carolina projects; $400,000 to MDC Inc for its ARPA Partnership Project and Investing in Leaders of Color Institute; and $379,800 to Public School Forum of NC for program and operating support.
The foundation’s website says it holds open application periods for its main grants and programs, with applications submitted through its grant portal when an opportunity is open. The State-Level Systemic Change and Community Progress Fund pages say those programs are not currently accepting applications. The foundation’s 2024 filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests and does not accept paper applications; application materials, submission deadlines and award restrictions are available through its website.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Joy Vermillion Heinsohn as executive director and secretary; Virgil Smith as president; Anna Warburton Munroe as vice president; Piper Neal Beveridge as treasurer; Pamela Spalding as assistant treasurer; and Natalie Ditta as assistant secretary.
The filing also lists Angela Bryant, Anita Brown-Graham, Daniel Clodfelter and David L. Neal as members of the board of trustees.
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc is led by Virgil Smith, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 15 of 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Virgil Smith
President
Board of Trustees → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Joy Vermillion Heinsohn
Executive Director & Secretary
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$252K (2023) → $319K (2024)
Angela Bryant
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$4K (2024)
Anita Brown-Graham
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Anna Warburton Munroe
Vice President
Board of Trustees → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $11K (2024)
Daniel Clodfelter
Board of Trustees
Vice President → Board of Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $11K (2024)
David L. Neal
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Ilana Dubester
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Jane S. Patterson
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $3K (2024)
Mary B. Mountcastle
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$5K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Nancy R. Bagley
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Pamela Spalding
Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $180K (2024)
Piper Neal Beveridge
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$10K (2020) → $11K (2024)
W. Noah Reynolds
Board of Trustees
President → Board of Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Natalie Ditta
Assistant Secretary
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$43K (2023) → $86K (2024)
Jose Oliva
Board of Trustees
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
$10K (2024)
Stephen L. Neal
Board of Trustees
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Chapel Thompson (2020–2023) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Lloyd P. Tate Jr. (2020–2023) — Board of Trustees
- Former: Maurice Mo Green (2020–2023) — Executive Director & Secretary
- Former: Jill Ray (2023) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Katharine B. Mountcastle (2020) — Board of Trustees
- Former: Terry Lockamy (2020) — Assistant Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $319K, to Joy Vermillion Heinsohn (Executive Director/Secretary). 15 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc
How much does Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc give each year?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc gave $21.7M across 298 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $24.1M across 307 grants.
What is Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $50,000, and its average grant was $72,982, across 298 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc that year got $38K on average.
Where does Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc give grants?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Raleigh, NC (56 grants), Durham, NC (48 grants), Winston-Salem, NC (26 grants) and Asheville, NC (18 grants).
Does Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 65% of Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (195 of 298) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "For Its Progress Fund Project" (26 grants), "Trustee Matching Gifts Program - Daniel G. Clodfelter" (5 grants) and "IPA Project" (3 grants).
Who are Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Wake Forest University ($1,200,000), Legal Aid of NC ($505,000) and University of NC Chapel Hill ($423,927), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc reported $23.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $26.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $488K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to support people and organizations working to improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. Its grantmaking framework names three strategies: State-Level Systemic Change, the Community Progress Fund and Special Projects. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's EIN?
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-6038145. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
The Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds charitable organizations serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, economic opportunity, civic engagement, arts, health, and human services. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000; specific programs offer grants ranging from small grants of up to $2,000 to capital grants of up to $100,000. The profile describes application-based programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
North Carolina Community Foundation Inc
Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Community Foundation supports charitable organizations and community programs in areas such as human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. Its typical grant was $15,000 in 2025; it serves communities statewide, with an emphasis on rural North Carolina, and accepts applications through specific affiliate, giving-circle, and other grant programs.
Assets
$569.1M
Grants
732
Total Given
$30.6M
NEO Philanthropy Inc
New York, NY
NEO Philanthropy funds social-justice movements and community organizations, including work on immigration, democracy, reproductive, racial and climate justice, and LGBTQ rights. In 2024, its 558 grants ranged from $5,000 to $23.58 million, with a median of $50,000; grants went mainly to Washington state, Washington, DC, North Carolina, California, and New York. It does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals; potential grantees are generally invited to apply.
Assets
$185.6M
Grants
558
Total Given
$103.5M
Triangle Community Foundation Inc
Durham, NC
The foundation supports nonprofits in cultural arts, education and youth, nonprofit capacity building, and sustainable communities, with grants also benefiting fields such as health, conservation, and human services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000 and ranged from about $5,000 to $1.39 million; it primarily serves Durham, Orange, Wake, and Chatham Counties in North Carolina. It accepts applications for competitive discretionary programs during open grant cycles; donor-advised fund grants are also made.
Assets
$335.8M
Grants
599
Total Given
$26.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in North Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/z-smith-reynolds-foundation-inc-morg_4ec417df1e534a7295c3b4484102f338
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_586038145_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/z-smith-reynolds-foundation-inc-morg_4ec417df1e534a7295c3b4484102f338},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Z Smith Reynolds Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?