Annual Arts Program Grants

The City of Alexandria Arts Program Grant is an initiative managed by the Office of the Arts to support artistic excellence and enhance cultural engagement for residents and visitors throughout Alexandria, Virginia. With a history spanning over 30 years, the program offers financial support to local nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, and service providers to ensure a vibrant cultural environment across the city. The Office of the Arts oversees the administration of the grant and convenes a Grant Task Force annually, composed of Arts Commissioners, arts administrators, and grant professionals, to evaluate applications based on defined scoring criteria. These grants are part of the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and access to quality arts experiences. The Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle, supporting programs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, will open on January 26, 2026, with a submission deadline of March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted via the online grant portal, and paper or hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted. The grants are competitive and evaluated through a multi-phase process involving staff review, task force scoring, and final recommendations reviewed by the Alexandria Arts Commission. Applications scoring below 75% will not be recommended for funding. Final reports are required within 30 days of project completion or by June 15 of the grant year. Funding is available in amounts up to $12,500, not exceeding 50% of the total program budget. A dollar-for-dollar (1:1) cash match is mandatory. Eligible match sources include ticket sales, donations, foundation support, and general operating funds, but in-kind contributions or other City of Alexandria funds are not permitted. Grantees must meet the match requirement prior to submitting their final report. Each organization is allowed to submit one application per cycle, and programs must take place within Alexandria and benefit its residents. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. City agencies, employees, and volunteers may not apply directly but can support partner organizations. New applicants and those unfamiliar with the Foundant system are required to attend grant preparation webinars, with dates to be announced. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory to remain eligible. The application process includes submission of a completed form, work samples, and responses to evaluation criteria tied to artistic quality, impact, and fiscal responsibility. Evaluation is structured around three main criteria: artistic excellence (45%), community engagement (35%), and management/budget feasibility (20%). The process includes virtual meetings open to the public, although applicant attendance is not required. Grantees must credit the City of Alexandria in promotional materials and may be asked to participate in research studies or surveys related to arts management or audience engagement. Additionally, applicants must articulate how their program advances the goals of the City’s Arts and Culture Plan. For more information, prospective applicants may contact Cheryl Anne Colton, Regional Program Director, via email at [email protected] or phone at 703.746.5565. TTY service is available at 703.838.4902. The City encourages careful review of all guidelines, FAQs, and preview forms prior to submission to ensure compliance and enhance the quality of submissions.

Applicants unfamiliar with the Foundant portal or new to the program must attend grant webinars or will be deemed ineligible.