Performing Arts Partnership Grant

The Performing Arts Partnership Grant, administered by the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, supports nonprofit performing arts organizations in delivering collaborative, high-quality programming that engages the Virginia Beach community. This grant is part of the city’s broader Arts Plan 2030 initiative and reflects a sustained municipal investment in the arts made possible by the City Council’s allocation of a portion of admission tax revenue to arts and culture programming. Through this initiative, the city affirms its commitment to strengthening local cultural life while fostering artistic innovation and community access. This grant focuses on live performing arts projects—including music, dance, and theater—that are developed in partnership with the Cultural Affairs Department and presented within Virginia Beach. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation and a mission focused on the performing arts. While applicants do not have to be based in Virginia Beach, all funded activities must take place within the city and be free and open to the public. Projects must include a community engagement component, such as workshops, outreach activities, or reduced-cost performances that enhance accessibility and inclusivity. Grants may provide up to $60,000 depending on project scale and impact. Eligible expenses include artist fees, venue rentals, production and staging costs, marketing, accessibility accommodations, and other programmatic costs essential to delivering a high-quality experience. Funds may not be used for non-performing arts projects or activities outside of the city. Grantees must complete their projects within 12 months of award and may be asked to publicly present or exhibit their final outcomes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. Proposals must be submitted using a downloadable fillable form provided by the Cultural Affairs Department. Applicants complete and save the PDF application, then submit it along with signed grant conditions and supporting materials via email to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed by an internal city committee, and selections are based on artistic merit, strength of collaboration, community impact, and feasibility. All projects must score a minimum of 70 points to be considered for funding. Successful applicants will receive notification by email or mail, followed by a formal grant agreement. To receive payment, organizations must register as vendors with the City of Virginia Beach and submit a W-9. Payments may take up to eight weeks. Grantees are required to submit a final report within one month of project completion, documenting outcomes, expenditures, and community reach. Projects are subject to site monitoring and must comply with ADA and Section 504 requirements. Public acknowledgement of funding from the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department is mandatory in all promotional materials and programming.

Collaborate closely with the Cultural Affairs Department and emphasize community access and inclusion.