ZSRF: Sabbatical Program Grant

ZSRF: Sabbatical Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
Amount: US $40,000
Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Summary

The ZSRF Sabbatical Program supports nonprofit leaders in North Carolina by providing up to six months of paid time away for personal rejuvenation. Since 1990, the program has awarded $40,000 per sabbatical, with $30,000 for the leader's reflection and $10,000 for their organization to enhance capacity during their absence. Eligible candidates must be in executive-level positions and have at least three years of service. This initiative helps combat burnout and encourages fresh ideas upon return.

Overview

Sabbatical Program Nonprofit leaders in North Carolina work tirelessly to improve their communities and often face burnout. To continue their critical work, leaders need a chance to rest, restore their energy and find renewed inspiration. Our Sabbatical Program offers experienced nonprofit leaders paid time away from work for the purpose of personal rejuvenation. Since 1990, ZSR has awarded sabbaticals to honor North Carolina’s nonprofit leaders for their dedicated service and commitment. Our Sabbatical Program offers leaders up to six months away from work to re-energize, allowing them to return to their organizations with fresh ideas and momentum. Awardees not only gain time for personal rejuvenation but also are encouraged to share leadership across their organizations during their absence, which can enhance organizations’ capacity in the long term. Criteria Sabbatical recipients are selected based on criteria including: The applicant’s professional accomplishments The applicant’s years of service in the same position and organization The difficulty of the applicant’s profession and work environment The applicant’s need for a sabbatical and description of their sabbatical as it relates to their personal renewal Feasibility of the applicant accomplishing their sabbatical plans within the proposed budget Strong plan of action for staff and board of the applicant’s organization Potential for the applicant to return to work and make future contributions in their chosen field Funding A total of $40,000 is awarded for each sabbatical: $30,000 goes to the awardee so they can reflect or renew in whatever manner they propose, and $10,000 goes to their organization to help prepare for the awardee to take time away. Of the $10,000, at least $5,000 must go toward activities that will enhance the recipient’s entire organization, e.g., staff retreats, team building exercises, mentoring opportunities, and/or other activities to support the staff.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Individual candidates for this program must:Be in paid, full-time, executive-level positions at a North Carolina nonprofit Have served their North Carolina nonprofit organization for at least three years, two of which in an executive level position

Ineligibility

This program is not intended for public school, college, university or government employees; hospital administrators; or full-time clergy.