City of Fairfax Nonprofit Grants Program

The City of Fairfax Nonprofit Grant Program offers funding support to human services nonprofit organizations that serve city residents. Structured as a competitive funding opportunity, the program operates two distinct grant tracks: the Standard Nonprofit Grant and the Mini-Grant. The Standard Grant supports projects seeking to develop, expand, or enhance services addressing prevention, crisis intervention, long-term support, and human services. Applicants for the standard track may request between $10,001 and $40,000. In contrast, the Mini-Grant track is designed for smaller-scale initiatives or organizational capacity building, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. A total of $200,000 in funding is allocated for FY26, with $180,000 designated for standard grants and $20,000 for mini grants. Eligibility for the program requires nonprofits to either be physically located in the City of Fairfax or to actively provide services to city residents. Applicants must certify 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate financial stability, including providing IRS Form 990s for the past three years, audited financials, and proof of good standing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Additionally, organizations must document the services they provide to Fairfax residents, detail the populations served, and explain how their mission aligns with the City Council’s goals and vision. Religious organizations may only apply if they do not use funds for sectarian activities and do not discriminate based on religious affiliation. The application period for the FY26 grant cycle opens on October 8, 2025, and closes on December 1, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. An optional information session will be held on October 15, and the deadline for applicant questions is October 24. Answers will be publicly posted on November 1. Funding decisions will be announced on December 15, with signed MOUs required by December 28. The award period runs from January 1 to October 31, 2026, during which funds must be expended solely for the approved purposes. Mid-term and final performance and financial reports are required, with all unspent funds due back to the city within 60 days of the program's conclusion. Application components vary by grant type but generally require a project description, justification for funding, budget narrative, and performance measures. Mini-grant applicants must submit basic organizational information, a project overview, and two measurable outcomes. The standard grant application is more extensive, requiring detailed justification of need, demographic data, documentation of prior service impact, and a sustainability plan. Joint applications are permitted, provided both organizations meet eligibility and financial requirements. Evaluation of applications is conducted by a review panel comprising city staff from multiple departments. Applications are scored on eligibility, alignment with priority areas of need, organizational qualifications, financial health, and cost justification. Only applications scoring 75 points or above are considered for funding, though meeting this threshold does not guarantee an award. Funding decisions are final, but unsuccessful applicants may request feedback from the city. Funded organizations receive their award in a single payment following execution of the MOU and submission of an invoice. Awarded funds must be used exclusively for the benefit of City of Fairfax residents and in alignment with the approved project. Expenditures must be well documented, and the city reserves the right to request repayment for misused funds or non-compliance. Organizations are encouraged to track impact through defined performance measures and ensure transparency in all aspects of reporting and financial management.

Ensure application is complete, concise, answers all questions directly, and ties services to City of Fairfax goals. Reviewers are unfamiliar with applicants, so clarity is key.