Operating Support Small: Small Arts Organizations Grant

The Virginia Commission for the Arts offers the Operating Support Small: Small Arts Organizations (OSS) grant to support small, nonprofit arts organizations in Virginia. This grant aims to enhance artistic and operational excellence, along with community engagement, by providing financial support to organizations whose core mission is centered on the arts. The program offers general operating support of $2,500 to eligible organizations, helping them continue, strengthen, and expand arts experiences that benefit the residents of Virginia. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations with an annual cash income between $20,000 and $150,000. They must be incorporated in Virginia for at least one year before applying, have their headquarters and home season in Virginia, and have completed two years of programming. Additionally, they must present at least three different programs or services to the public each year and operate in ADA-compliant facilities. Organizations must not have a combined deficit exceeding 20% of their total income over the past two fiscal years and must be governed by a regularly meeting Board. They must not be under debarment or suspension from federal funding and should have no past due Final Reports to the VCA. The grant funds can be used for various operating expenses, excluding capital expenses. Eligible expenses include artist fees, administrative costs, contractual services, accessibility services, facilities operations, marketing, professional development, supplies, technical costs, and domestic travel necessary for delivering arts programs. Organizations applying for this grant must submit several documents, including a signed Certification of Assurances, a Virginia W-9 Form, lists of staff and Board members, an IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, Profit & Loss Statements, a Balance Sheet, and a projected budget for the current year. Applications for the FY27 cycle will open in winter 2027 and will be due on March 1, 2026. The grant is awarded for a one-year period, and recipients must reapply annually. The application process involves a review by the Commission staff for eligibility, completeness, and accuracy. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered. The Commission staff makes recommendations, which are then reviewed by the Commission Board. Applicants are notified of the Board's decision via email after the Board meeting and pending the enactment of the fiscal year budget. The grant amount is typically paid in full by mid to late August, although the Commission may use an alternative payment schedule if necessary. For further questions or assistance, applicants can contact the Virginia Commission for the Arts at their Richmond office, located at Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite #330, Richmond, VA 23219, or by phone at 804.225.3132.