Virginia Commission for the Arts

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building Grants

Purpose

Capacity Building Grants help Virginia arts organizations enhance artistic quality, strengthen community engagement, and improve management capabilities by providing access to external expertise. Applications open May 15, 2026

Description

Capacity Building Grants provide targeted assistance for Virginia arts organizations seeking to strengthen their internal operations and sustainability. These grants help organizations access specialized expertise or training that supports strategic growth, improved management, and long-term effectiveness.

Eligible Applicants

Virginia organizations whose primary purpose is the arts (units of government, organizations using a fiscal agent, and educational institutions and their private companion foundations are not eligible).

Eligible Applicants

  • Meets the basic eligibility requirements as listed on page 9 of the Guidelines for Funding
  • Are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Are incorporated in Virginia for at least one year prior to application
  • Have their headquarters and home season in Virginia
  • Have a previous year’s unrestricted income of at least $20,000, but no greater than $750,000
  • Present activities in ADA-compliant facilities, including wheelchair access to restrooms
  • Are governed by a board of directors that meets regularly
  • Must not be under current debarment or suspension from federal funding
  • Have no past due Final Reports to the VCA at the time of application

Eligible Activities (for the grant period of July 1, 2026 – June 15, 2027)

  • Short-term consultations focused on specific artistic or organizational challenges or opportunities, with the staff of the applicant organization implementing the resulting action plan.

Examples include but are not limited to: board and audience development; strategic or business planning; internal controls and financial policy reviews; cybersecurity assessment; ticketing/donor/project-management software implementation roadmap; marketing, branding, and/or communications planning; earned-revenue feasibility and pricing strategy; fund development; community engagement plan; ADA/accessibility audit; succession or leadership transition planning; or other capacity- building priorities identified by the applicant.

  • Sending administrators, staff, board members, and other authorized representatives to conferences, seminars, institutes, or other professional development opportunities designed to strengthen organizational sustainability, leadership capacity, and overall effectiveness.

Examples may include but are not limited to: sector-wide arts convenings, discipline specific institutes, fundraising and development intensives, technology or digital engagement workshops, and other learning experiences that build skills and networks to benefit the organization and its community. Grant funds may be used for registration, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses.

Application Deadline

Applications open May 15, 2026, and will be reviewed by staff on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until all funds are awarded or May 1, 2027, whichever comes first. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the proposed activity to allow for review and approval. Early submission is encouraged.

Assistance Amount

Up to $1,500 per organization per fiscal year (no match required).

Required Attachments

Applicants must generate and upload the following documents:

  • Profit & Loss Statement from the most recently completed fiscal year
  • IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

The following forms are provided by the Commission via upload in the online grant application:

  • Capacity Building Budget Form
  • Signed Certification of Assurances Form
  • Virginia W-9 Form

Application Review and Payment Procedure

  1. Applicants must complete and submit the online application to the Commission at least two weeks before the proposed grant activity will begin.
  2. Commission staff will review applications for completeness and eligibility
  3. Capacity Building Grants are not automatic. Confirmation/grant award letters are generally emailed two weeks after receipt of a completed and approved application.
  4. The Commission will authorize payment in full upon receipt of a Final Report, which is due within 30 days after the activity ends and no later than June 16, 2027, for activities taking place between June 1, 2027 – June 15, 2027. The Final Report must include a brief summary narrative of the completed activity, and a financial report with copies of payment receipts. Failure to submit a Final Report by the deadline will result in the loss of the grant.