Purpose
Capacity Building Grants, formerly Technical Assistance Grants, help Virginia arts organizations enhance artistic quality, strengthen community engagement, and improve management capabilities by providing access to external expertise. Applications open November 1.
Eligible Applicants
Virginia nonprofit arts organizations that:
- Meet 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
- Have a 12-character Unique Entity ID (UEI) from gov
- 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 November 15, 2025 – June 15, 2026)
- 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 audit and financial policies review; 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.
Activities 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 November 1, 2025, and will be reviewed by staff on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until all funds are awarded or May 1, 2026, 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.
Amount of Assistance
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 will be provided by VCA in the grant application:
- Capacity Building Budget Form
- Signed Certification of Assurances Form
- Virginia W-9 Form
Application Review and Payment Procedure
- Submission timeline – Complete online applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the proposed activity.
- Review and notification – Commission staff will review applications for eligibility and notify applicants of grant decisions by email within two weeks of submission.
- Final report and payment – 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 15, 2026, for activities taking place between June 1 – June 15, 2026. The final report must include, a brief summary narrative of the completed activity, and a financial report with copies of invoices and payment receipts.