City of Portsmouth Cultural Arts Grant

The Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission (MFAC), in partnership with the City of Portsmouth, administers an annual Cultural Arts Grant Program to support local arts and humanities organizations. For Fiscal Year 2027, covering the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, MFAC offers partial project-based funding to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that serve the Portsmouth, Virginia community. The program is managed by the Department of Museums & Tourism, with oversight by the Commission's Award Committee, and aims to stimulate cultural enrichment and accessibility throughout the city. To be considered, organizations must be tax-exempt nonprofits with at least one year of operational history and a functioning board of directors. They must either be registered in Portsmouth or carry out their proposed project within the city in a way that directly benefits its citizens. Applications must be submitted digitally by 11:59 PM on February 15, 2026. All submissions must be complete and include required attachments such as proof of tax-exempt status, organizational budgets, board rosters, biographies, and financial documents. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The application must be signed and include certifications of compliance with civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. The grant program is designed to support public-facing artistic and humanities activities such as performances, exhibitions, outreach programs, educational workshops, film and video productions, and the commissioning of new works. Activities must be accessible to the public and cannot be limited to organization members. The funding may not be used for parties, capital improvements, religious activities, or general operations not directly related to the arts project. Acknowledgment of MFAC and the City of Portsmouth is required in all related promotional materials. Grant recommendations are subject to available funding and final approval by the City Council. Each project must align with the goal of enriching the city’s cultural landscape and serving diverse and underserved communities. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, community impact, outreach strength, fiscal responsibility, public participation, and the organization's commitment to equitable access. Evaluation criteria also include planning quality, past performance, and the presence of strong partnerships or collaborative efforts. Applicants may request up to 50% of their project's cost, not to exceed $15,000. Projects must be completed within the fiscal year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). Interim progress reports are required if a project extends beyond February 1, and final reports must be submitted within 30 days of project completion, including documentation of expenses equal to at least twice the awarded amount. Unused funds must be returned by June 30, 2027, or within 30 days of the final report submission. Disbursement of grant funds depends on the amount awarded. Awards of $5,000 or less are paid in full in July; larger grants are paid in two installments in July and January. Supporting documentation, including a signed agreement and W-9, is required before any funds are released. All expenditures must be substantiated by receipts or other official proof. Invoices and reports are to be sent via email to [email protected] or mailed to the Department of Museums and Tourism.

Projects should demonstrate artistic excellence, meet community needs, and involve underserved audiences; strong evaluation and outreach are prioritized.