Virginia Arts Grants

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in the Charlottesville area to create innovative projects that combine environmental education with the visual and performing arts for children who have limited access to these experiences.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund (ULARF) is offering grants for its 2024 cycle, continuing the legacy of Ursula Landsrath, a dedicated animal welfare advocate. Founded in 2019 as a tribute to Ursula, ULARF builds upon her previous work with the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia, which distributed over $1 million in grants. The fund's mission is deeply aligned with its founder's lifelong commitment to animal welfare, supporting nonprofit organizations that serve or rescue animals within Virginia. This grant program is a direct reflection of Ursula Landsrath's strategic priority to protect and care for animals, ensuring her advocacy continues to have a tangible impact. ULARF targets nonprofit animal welfare organizations that are incorporated and operational in Virginia, serving or rescuing animals in the Commonwealth. These beneficiaries include organizations working with farm, domestic, and wild animals. The overall impact goal is to improve animal welfare in Virginia through various initiatives, ranging from direct care to preventative measures and public education. By supporting these organizations, ULARF aims to create a more humane environment for animals across the state, fostering better health, safety, and reduced suffering. The grant program has clear funding priorities and focuses. These include spay/neuter and Trap Neuter Return programs for feral cats, emergency medical funds for various animal types, costs for emergency repairs to organization facilities, and expenses for public outreach and education programs. Additionally, ULARF prioritizes Virginia-based regional animal assistance organizations that provide support to smaller, local rescue groups. These priorities align with a theory of change that by addressing critical needs like population control, emergency care, infrastructure, and public awareness, a significant positive impact on animal welfare can be achieved. Grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $3,000 per organization, with an overall size of the grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the expected outcomes include increased spay/neuter rates, improved access to emergency medical care for animals, enhanced operational capacity of rescue facilities, and broader public understanding of animal welfare issues. The foundation's strategic priority is to fund direct services and support infrastructure that directly benefit animals, rather than administrative or fundraising costs, ensuring that the grants lead to direct and measurable improvements in animal well-being.

The PATH Foundation’s **Better Together Fund** is designed to strengthen community connections by supporting local events that bring people together in celebration, collaboration, and shared purpose. Established in 2021, the fund reflects PATH’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Virginia’s Piedmont region by fostering engagement, well-being, and unity among residents. Through this program, the foundation aims to make small but meaningful investments in events that inspire belonging and reinforce the social fabric of local communities. Eligible nonprofits and organizations operating in **Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties** may apply for grants of up to **$2,500 per event**. Funding can be used to support a wide variety of community-facing gatherings—such as festivals, cultural celebrations, educational activities, and other inclusive events that encourage participation and connection among local residents. The initiative is particularly focused on efforts that celebrate diversity, build relationships, and create shared experiences that strengthen the sense of community. To qualify, events must take place within one year of submission and comply with all applicable health and safety guidelines. Applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, or local government entities. The program’s flexible structure allows for a broad range of creative and community-driven ideas, ensuring that small towns and neighborhoods have the opportunity to host meaningful events that align with PATH’s goal of cultivating healthier, more connected communities. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding operates on a rolling basis, emphasizing timeliness and local relevance. Events supported by the Better Together Fund are intended to be accessible, inclusive, and beneficial to the broader public rather than serving narrow organizational or private interests. The fund’s straightforward application process encourages both established and smaller community groups to apply, removing barriers for those who may not typically pursue grant funding. Through the Better Together Fund, the PATH Foundation continues to champion collaboration and social cohesion as essential pillars of community health. By investing in shared experiences that unite people across backgrounds, the foundation underscores its belief that thriving communities are built not just through infrastructure and services—but through connection, empathy, and collective joy.

This fellowship provides financial support and recognition to individuals in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional food practices and culinary heritage in the Appalachian region.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit arts organizations in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church to create innovative projects that enhance community access to the arts and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides financial support to artists and arts organizations in the City of Fairfax to create inclusive and accessible cultural projects that enhance community engagement and artistic expression.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Southwest Virginia for public humanities projects that promote regional stories and foster community dialogue.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Mid-Atlantic region to host live performances and community engagement activities featuring artists, with a focus on accessibility and geographic diversity.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area for projects in healthcare, education, human services, arts, culture, and religion.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Richmond area for initiatives in healthcare, education, human services, religion, and arts and culture.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative performing arts projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, enabling multiple presenters to engage audiences through high-quality performances and community-focused activities.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local government units to implement arts and humanities projects that engage the Virginia Beach community.

This grant provides funding to Virginia-based organizations for marketing commemorative events and programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, focusing on themes of history, freedom, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Norfolk, Virginia, to promote diversity and access in the arts through expanded programming, educational initiatives, and performances at the historic Attucks Theatre.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Virginia Beach for community-based arts projects that promote cultural equity and inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented and diverse communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Portsmouth that provide arts and cultural programs benefiting the local community, with a focus on projects that engage underserved populations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Norfolk, Virginia, to help cover their general operating costs and enhance cultural programming for the community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Falls Church, Virginia, to support projects that promote arts, culture, and history, enhancing community engagement and accessibility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that implement programs focused on education, public health, economic development, and the arts for residents of Charlottesville, Virginia.