Community Impact Grants

The Community Impact Grants program, administered by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, supports creative initiatives that aim to engage communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia through the arts. This program is designed to fund innovative and high-quality arts projects and services that address the needs of underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented communities. As an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Commission is committed to expanding access to the arts and ensuring that all Virginians can participate in and benefit from artistic experiences. Community Impact Grants are available to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in Virginia, local and tribal government units, and higher education institutions that present the arts. Entities without tax-exempt status may still apply using a qualified Virginia fiscal agent or two specific approved fiscal agents—Fractured Atlas or Women in Film & Video—as designated by a Commission vote. However, general operating support and ongoing institutional budgets are not eligible for this funding stream. Colleges and universities must ensure their proposals address community-accessible arts experiences rather than projects designed solely for academic credit. Eligible projects include new or expanded arts programming that reaches diverse audiences through performances, exhibitions, festivals, conferences, public art installations, and more. Grants may also support initiatives that increase accessibility, such as program modifications for individuals with disabilities, or commissions for new works in visual, media, and performing arts. A defining requirement of this grant is a 1:1 cash match, meaning that applicants must secure equivalent funding from other sources. In-kind contributions, while helpful for demonstrating community support, are not eligible for meeting the cash match. Applicants may request between $1,000 and $5,000 in funding, and while multiple applications are permitted, the total combined request from a single applicant cannot exceed $5,000. Matching funds can originate from ticket sales, donations, government funds, or the applicant's own cash reserves. To maintain accountability and transparency, successful applicants must submit a Final Report within 30 days after project completion or by June 1, whichever comes first. Failure to meet reporting deadlines may disqualify applicants from future funding. The application process is managed entirely online, with a deadline of April 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Required documentation includes a detailed budget form, certification of assurances, a Virginia W-9, artist bios, proof of artistic excellence, a recent profit and loss statement or audit, the organization's IRS determination letter, and a signed fiscal agent agreement if applicable. Each application is reviewed for completeness and eligibility before being evaluated by an Advisory Panel composed of multidisciplinary experts. Final decisions are made by the Commission Board and announced via email after the next board meeting. Awards will be disbursed in full by early September 2026, covering projects implemented from July 1, 2026, through June 15, 2027. The Commission typically does not fund the same project for more than three years, emphasizing the program’s focus on innovative and evolving community impact. Proposals are evaluated on artistic and operational excellence, and the strength of community engagement. The Commission encourages two-way interaction between grantees and communities, particularly those historically lacking access to the arts.

Emphasize community impact, accessibility, and artistic excellence in proposals.