Community Impact Grants

The Community Impact Grants are offered by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, an official body of the Commonwealth of Virginia. These grants aim to support innovative and high-quality arts programming that impacts communities, particularly those that are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented. The grants are designed to fund creative projects across any artistic discipline and scale, with a requirement for a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants for the Community Impact Grants include Virginia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, units of local and tribal governments, and higher educational institutions that present the arts. Groups without tax-exempt status may apply using a Virginia Fiscal Agent. However, individuals are not eligible to apply. The grants support a variety of activities such as new or expanded performances, exhibitions, public art projects, and commissions of new works that engage communities. The grant amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with applicants required to provide a cash match equal to the requested grant amount. The cash match must come from non-state or federal sources, such as revenue from project activities or contributions from individuals or organizations. In-kind contributions, while important to document, cannot be used as part of the cash match. Applications are evaluated based on artistic excellence, operational excellence, and community engagement and access. The Virginia Commission for the Arts prioritizes innovative and collaborative arts programs that demonstrate a committed effort to provide impactful and quality artistic experiences. Applications for the FY27 cycle will open in winter 2027 and will be due on April 1, 2026. Required attachments include a project budget form, artist bios, documents reflecting artistic excellence, and a fiscal agent agreement if applicable. The application process involves review by Commission staff for completeness and eligibility, followed by evaluation by a statewide, multi-disciplinary Advisory Panel. The Commission Board makes the final decision on applications, and applicants are notified via email. Grant payments are typically made by mid to late August, and final reports are due 30 days after project completion or by June 1 at the latest. For further information, applicants can contact the Virginia Commission for the Arts at 600 East Main Street, Suite #330, Richmond, VA 23219, or by phone at 804.225.3132.