Community Cultural Arts Grants

The Community Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, aims to promote cultural equity by funding projects that reflect and support the city’s increasingly diverse communities. Rooted in the city’s broader Arts Plan 2030, the program focuses on increasing access to culturally and ethnically specific art forms, fostering inclusive arts participation, and supporting underrepresented artists and organizations in the local arts landscape. This initiative also aligns with the Virginia Beach City Council’s Goal 7, which promotes inclusivity and empowerment for all community members. Grants are awarded to projects that enhance public understanding of diverse cultural traditions, nurture authentic cultural presentations, and increase access to arts for communities that have traditionally faced barriers to participation. Priority is given to proposals that connect people across cultural, economic, and generational lines through the arts, and that encourage innovation in presentation or participation. Eligible projects are expected to be community-based, participatory, and culturally grounded, with the potential to strengthen local neighborhoods and elevate marginalized artistic voices. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose mission is to develop and promote arts programming derived from culturally or ethnically authentic sources. Proposed projects must take place within Virginia Beach and be open to the public. Organizations are expected to be inclusive in their policies and programming, welcoming people regardless of age, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, religion, language, or socio-economic status. Groups representing underserved and culturally diverse communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications are evaluated on the quality of the project, its community impact, and the feasibility of implementation. Reviewers look for clearly defined, well-conceived plans that demonstrate strong community involvement, broad audience reach, and realistic budgeting. Projects must use arts and culture as the primary vehicle for engagement and cannot be fundraising initiatives, general operating expenses, or administrative costs unrelated to the project. Additionally, projects that are not open to the public or do not align with the grant's cultural equity goals are ineligible. The grant operates on a recurring basis, with three funding rounds. The most recent round for FY26 is currently open, with applications due by February 6, 2026. Grant decisions are based on scheduled commission meetings and interviews or appointments, and funds are made available upon the signing of grant agreements. Each round is open until funds are exhausted. This grant does not cover 100% of project costs—funding may not exceed 75% of the total project budget. It also does not fund projects already supported by the Commission through other grant programs. Applicants must be prepared to manage the remaining 25% of costs through other sources. Awards are made contingent upon the project’s public benefit and its alignment with cultural equity objectives.

Quality of project, community impact, and feasibility are critical evaluation criteria.