Purpose
To facilitate new and innovative art-based programs or services commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation and the American Revolution.
Description
In partnership with the Virginia 250 Commission, The Virginia Commission for the Arts’ VA250 Impact Grant provides one-time programmatic support for arts activities that explore the themes of “Revolution of Ideas”, capture stories that commemorate the Revolutionary War, and demonstrate the impact of revolutionary ideas on our world today.
Eligible Applicants
This grant program is open to Virginia units of local and tribal government ( including libraries and departments of parks and recreation) and public educational institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
- The organization is unit of local or tribal government or public educational institution.
- All venues and facilities used for the proposed activities must be ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for all participants.
- Must not be under current debarment or suspension from federal funding
- Must have no past due Final Reports to the VCA at the time of application
Eligible Activities
VA250 Impact Grants provide support a wide range of arts-related activities focused on content related to the American Revolution and the theme of “Revolution of Ideas” taking place between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
Examples of eligible activities include public / in-person visual arts exhibitions, theater performances, music concerts, film and documentary screenings, readings, literary and spoken word events, festivals, interactive workshops, public art installations, commissions of new works of art, and arts education programs.
Eligible Expenses
- Artist / Speaker / Educator Fees
- Marketing and Promotion for Program Activities
- Materials / Supplies / Equipment Fees
- Venue Rental
NOTE: Programs from colleges/universities that are primarily for academic credit are not eligible.
Application Deadline and Notification
- April 1, 2024, for activities taking place between July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Award announcements will be made in mid-June 2024
Assistance Amount
One-time, non-matching grant of up to $5,000.
Criteria for Evaluating Applications
The Virginia Commission for the Arts and VA250 Commission are interested in innovative, collaborative arts programs and/or services. These competitive grants will be judged on the following criteria:
- Relevance to Theme (20 points): The extent to which the proposed project relates to the commemoration of the American Revolution and the theme of “Revolution of Ideas”
- Artistic Experience (10 points): The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a committed effort to provide its audience/community an innovative, impactful, and quality artistic experience related to the American Revolution and the theme of “Revolution of Ideas.”
- Community Engagement and Accessibility (10 points): The extent to which the program is accessible to a diverse audience, including people with disabilities.
- Program Management (10 Points): The extent to which the applicant can demonstrate sound project management, budgeting, promotion, and evaluation.
Required Attachments
The following forms will be provided by the VCA via upload in the online grant application:
- Program Budget Form
- Signed Certification of Assurances
- Virginia W-9 Form
Application/Review/Payment Process
- Applicants submit the information requested by the Commission by the application deadline.
- Commission staff reviews the applications for completeness and eligibility. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed and will be returned to the applicant with an explanation.
- Commission staff forwards eligible applications to members of the Advisory Panel to review prior to the Advisory Panel screening session.
- The Advisory Panel meets with two members of the Commission staff. Commissioners attend Advisory Panel screening session as silent observers. The Advisory Panel makes its recommendations after group discussion.
- The Commission Board then reviews the recommendations of the Advisory Panel and staff and takes final action on the applications.
- Applicants are notified of Commission action by email following vote at the Commission Board meeting.
- The Commission will pay the grant in full approximately 30 days after the submission of the final report. The final report must include copies of expense items.
Requirements for Funding
Acknowledgement
Successful applicants will be required to use the VCA and VA250 logos and branding identification in all promotional materials, online content, and other public-facing communications related to the program.
Final Reports
Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report to the VCA within 30 days of completing the program and no later than June 30, 2025. The final report must include a detailed summary of the program activities, the number of participants and attendees, an evaluation of the program’s reach and success, a final budget showing how the grant funds were spent, receipts for expenses paid, and event photos /promotional materials showing and use of the Virginia Commission for the Arts and VA250 logos. Failure to submit a final report by the deadline will result in the loss of the funding.
NOTE: In-kind contributions cannot 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