Purpose
To facilitate new and innovative visual and performing art projects commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
Description
In partnership with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ FY26 VA250 Impact Grant offers one-time, non-matching support for new visual and performing arts projects that celebrate our founding stories, highlight diverse perspectives, and demonstrate how Revolutionary ideas continue to influence modern life. These creative endeavors will engage Virginians and affirm the Commonwealth’s pivotal place in shaping and commemorating our nation’s 250-year journey.
Eligible Applicants
Virginia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary purpose is the arts (individuals, units of government, organizations using a fiscal agent, and educational institutions and their private companion foundations are not eligible).
Eligibility Requirements
- Meets the basic eligibility requirements as listed on page 9 of the Guidelines for Funding
- Is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Has a 12-character Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
- Has its headquarters and home season in Virginia
- Present activities in ADA-compliant facilities, including wheelchair access to restrooms
- Is governed by a board of directors that meets regularly
- Must not be under current debarment or suspension from federal funding
- Has no past due Final Reports to the VCA at the time of application
Assistance Amount
One-time, non-matching grant of up to $5,000 for activities taking place between December 1, 2025, - July 4, 2026.
Application Deadline, Notification and Payment
- Deadline: October 31, 2025, by 5:00 P.M. (EST), for activities taking place between December 1, 2025-July 4, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Award announcements: Mid-November 2025
- Award payments: Payments will be made in full upon receipt of the Final Report.
Eligible Activities
New and innovative visual and performing arts initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation and the American Revolution. Activities may explore the theme “Revolution of Ideas,” capture stories of the Revolutionary War, or demonstrate the continuing impact of revolutionary ideals on contemporary society. Examples include but are not limited to: public art commissions such as murals or sculptures; original performing works in theater, dance, or music; workshops or development labs leading to a public presentation; commissioned visual arts exhibitions created for the commemoration; and/or artist or speaker collaborations tied to these projects.
Eligible Expenses
- Artist, speaker fees
- Staging, sets, and technical crew
- Workshop and development costs
- Installation costs for visual arts projects
- Materials and supplies for the project only
- Marketing and promotion costs
- Venue rental for performance, rehearsals, exhibition
- Accessibility services (ASL interpretation, captioning, audio description, tactile or large-print materials)
- Insurance required for the specific event or installation
Ineligible Expenses
- Projects already funded as VA250 “Officially Recognized” events
- Exhibitions of existing or retroactive work
- Film, literary, or media arts not designed for live public presentation
- Oral history projects
- General operating expenses unrelated to the commissioned work
- Office supplies or equipment (e.g., cameras, computers, hard drives)
- Website maintenance or hosting
- Brick-and-mortar construction or long-term leases
- Purchases for permanent collection
- Fundraising or lobbying activities
- Projects primarily religious in nature
- Cost of parties, food, beverages, or alcohol
Criteria for Evaluating Applications
These competitive grants will be judged on the following criteria:
- Relevance to Theme (10 points): Clear connection to the 250th Anniversary and the “Revolution of Ideas.” Note: Priority will be given to new work/commissions, cross-disciplinary formats, and/or first-time collaborations
- Artistic Quality (10 points): Strength of artistic vision, innovation, and excellence of participating artists; potential to create a meaningful audience experience.
- Project Feasibility (10 points): Realistic plan supported by a clear budget, timeline, and leadership; evidence of organizational capacity and contingency planning.
- Community Engagement and Access (10 points): Effective strategies for audience outreach, promotion, evaluation, and accessibility.
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:
- Project Budget Form
- Signed Certification of Assurances Form
- Virginia W-9 Form
Acknowledgement
Successful applicants will be required to use the VCA, VA250, and NEA logos in all promotional materials, online content, and other public-facing communications related to the program.
Final Reports
Grantees must submit a Final Report within 30 days of program completion and no later than June 15, 2026. For activities taking place between June 16 – July 4, 2026, Final Reports will be due on July 10, 2065. Final Reports must include a program summary, participant and attendance data, evaluation of reach and success, final budget with expense receipts, and event photos or promotional materials showing use of required logos. Failure to submit by the deadline will result in loss of funding.
NOTE: In-kind contributions may not be counted as reimbursable expenses. In-kind contributions are the dollar value of materials and services that are provided to a project at no cash cost from sources other than the applicant, e.g., volunteer hours or donated space.
For more information about the Virginia 250 Commission, visit VA250.org.