Organizational Development Grants

The Organizational Development Grant program is administered by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, a local government body committed to strengthening and enriching the cultural identity of Virginia Beach. This Commission operates under the larger umbrella of the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, which uses arts and culture as tools to drive community revitalization, pride, and landmark creation throughout the city. The grant reflects the Commission’s broader mission to promote excellence in the arts and humanities and to ensure that all Virginia Beach residents have access to diverse cultural experiences. This grant is designed specifically to support non-profit arts and humanities organizations in Virginia Beach. Its primary focus is to foster organizational growth by enhancing visibility, productivity, and operational proficiency. The scope of eligible activities includes professional development opportunities such as conferences, seminars, guest facilitators, board education, and skill-building courses. Additional eligible uses encompass technology upgrades, subscriptions, and consulting services in areas such as PR/marketing, accounting, strategic planning, succession planning, and fundraising. Intern stipends and freelance projects are also allowable. The grant seeks to benefit all levels of staff within organizations, from entry-level personnel to board members, with some flexibility to consider fixed asset acquisition on a case-by-case basis. Funding is limited to a maximum of $1,250 per organization per fiscal year, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant cycle begins on July 1, 2025, and applications will be accepted continuously until funds are exhausted or until the final deadline of April 30, 2026. All funded activities must be completed by June 30, 2026. This is a non-recurring, rolling deadline opportunity, meaning there are no recurring cycles planned beyond FY26 unless new guidance is issued in the future. To apply, eligible organizations must submit an application through the Cultural Affairs Department’s online grant software, Foundant. Applicants are required to create an account and follow the specified steps on the platform. Applications must be submitted at least 12 business days prior to a regular meeting of the Arts & Humanities Commission. Once submitted, a representative from the applicant organization is encouraged to engage in a call with the Cultural Affairs Grant Manager. Attendance at the Commission meeting where the application is reviewed is also encouraged; if a representative is not present, any questions from the Commission will be sent via email, and applicants will have two business days to respond. Failure to respond may result in denial of the application. Evaluation criteria for the grant include demonstrated organizational need, the degree to which the proposed project addresses this need, alignment with the grant’s overall purpose, and the completeness and quality of the application. Applicants are expected to provide detailed information on the significance, goals, implementation plan, budget, and sustainability of their proposed project. The grant does not support salaries or bonuses, general operating costs, refreshments, alcohol, lobbying, or any unauthorized municipal fund uses. For inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Lisa Wigginton, the Cultural Affairs Grant Manager, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (757) 385-2599. Full program guidelines, including required documentation, are available via the official Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs website. This opportunity offers a streamlined, low-barrier funding option for small to mid-sized arts and humanities organizations to enhance their capacity and impact across the city.