Project Grants

The Arts & Humanities Commission Project Grants program, administered by the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Virginia Beach, is designed to enhance the city’s cultural vitality by funding arts and humanities projects that engage local residents. This program is primarily funded by an annual appropriation from the Virginia Beach City Council and may receive supplementary funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. It represents the city’s commitment to building a vibrant cultural scene that reflects its diverse community and fosters creative expression. This grant opportunity is exclusively project-based. It does not support general operating expenses but is intended to help nonprofit organizations, government units, educational institutions, and local chapters of tax-exempt national organizations implement high-quality artistic and cultural programs. To be eligible, applicant organizations must demonstrate a mission that supports the advancement of the arts or humanities. Additionally, all applicants must be legally compliant with federal, state, and local laws, including civil rights and accessibility statutes. Project activities must take place within the City of Virginia Beach and be accessible to the public. The Commission will fund up to 50% of total project costs, and applicants are required to secure the remaining budget through other means, such as private or community contributions. No organization may receive more than one project grant per grant period, and prior funding does not guarantee future awards. The maximum award amount is not fixed, but each request must reflect a reasonable and justifiable budget, clearly showing cost effectiveness and the potential for strong public impact. Applicants must submit their materials using the Cultural Affairs Department’s online portal, Foundant. A complete application includes project details, budget information, proof of nonprofit or tax-exempt status, and other supporting documentation. The Commission strongly encourages applicants to attend virtual grant workshops to better understand the program and improve their application quality. Hard copies or emailed materials are not accepted. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on February 6, 2026. Submitted proposals are evaluated using a comprehensive scoring rubric that includes criteria such as significance to the community, clarity and feasibility of goals and implementation plans, financial and managerial capacity, and quality of presentation. Awards will be announced by the end of June 2026. Funded projects must begin no earlier than July 1, 2026, and be completed by June 30, 2027. Final reports documenting outcomes, finances, and visual materials are required within 30 days of project completion or by July 15, 2027, whichever comes first. This program is not recurring in structure but is issued annually, with new application deadlines published each fiscal year. The FY27 cycle reflects a continued effort by the City of Virginia Beach to make arts and humanities accessible to all residents, promoting inclusive cultural participation and civic pride. Any major changes to a project’s scope or budget must be pre-approved, and all funded activities must acknowledge support from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission in their public communications.

Focus on clarity, realistic budgets, and alignment with cultural impact goals; past funding does not guarantee future support.