Advancing the Arts Grants Program

The Advancing the Arts Grants program, administered by the Arts Council of the Valley (ACV), supports innovative arts-based educational initiatives within the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County communities of Virginia. Founded in 2000, ACV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting vibrant and memorable arts experiences. The Council manages multiple programs, including public gallery spaces and community art events, and serves as a vital connector for local artists, schools, and organizations. With funding support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the City of Harrisonburg, and private donors, ACV provides grants through its Advancing the Arts program to expand access to visual, performing, and literary arts. The Arts for Education grant track within this program is specifically designed to assist educators, teaching artists, and arts organizations in integrating arts into K-12 education and other learning environments. Grants are intended to fund creative initiatives that align with educational curricula, support student development in core academic areas, and promote team-building and interpersonal skills. Projects must clearly articulate their goals and demonstrate a meaningful benefit to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham community. Proposals may emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches, connecting the arts with subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies, while also fostering lifelong learning and community engagement. Applicants may request between $500 and $1,500 in funding, with grants awarded in two cycles each year—fall and spring. For the Spring 2026 cycle, the grant application window opens in January 2026, with submissions due by March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Projects selected for funding must take place between April 1 and October 31, 2026, and final reports are due no later than November 1, 2026. Applicants may only receive one ACV grant per calendar year. Matching funds are not required. The application process is fully online and includes a proposal submission outlining project goals, educational value, community impact, and an itemized budget showing how grant funds will be used. Proposals should demonstrate feasibility, scalability, artistic integrity, and strong potential for public benefit. For Arts for Education grants, projects should complement school curricula or related educational programs. Collaborative proposals are welcome and must describe the roles of all involved participants. Funding is disbursed in two installments: 75% upon receipt of a signed Grant Agreement Form and 25% upon submission and approval of a Final Report. Ineligible expenses include projects that are religious or sectarian, fulfill academic requirements, involve construction or renovation, serve as general operating support, or fund lobbying, private events, or food and beverages. ACV requires grantees to credit its support in all promotional materials and encourages them to invite ACV staff and board members to related public events or exhibitions. Arts Council of the Valley provides two optional virtual information sessions to assist prospective applicants. These sessions are scheduled for February 19 and February 24, 2026. Participation is not required but is encouraged for those seeking guidance on crafting a strong application. Questions about the program can be directed to ACV via email at [email protected].

Clearly articulate project goals, curriculum alignment, and itemized use of grant funds. Feasibility and impact on the local community are key evaluation criteria.