Best Grants for Performing Arts in Virginia

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Virginia schools, nonprofits, governments, and VCA teaching artists can receive up to US $2,000 to support short-term, in-person artist residencies and workshops through this reimbursement grant. Performing arts groups in Virginia may be eligible when partnering with artists from the VCA Teaching Artist Roster for participatory residencies, community projects, or educator professional development in ADA-compliant facilities.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, typically awarded on a challenge or matching basis. Organizations across the state, especially in the Richmond metro area, may secure funding for facilities and infrastructure, including cultural arts and performing arts venues, education, social services, and community development projects.

Virginia performing arts presenters that regularly book touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network to support jazz presentations and tours. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government units in the mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, with at least three years of presenting history; awards are up to US $3,000.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital funding for arts, culture, education, environment, historic preservation, civic needs, or social services can apply for US $50,000 - US $500,000 challenge or matching grants. Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports projects across the Commonwealth, including performing arts facilities and infrastructure, through an online application with spring and fall deadlines.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $25,000 in grants to support programs, general operations, or limited endowments, including performing arts initiatives. Herndon Foundation prioritizes organizations in the metro Richmond area working in education, health and human services, and historic preservation and cultural experiences, with a focus on programmatic support where grant dollars make a substantial difference.

Virginia local and tribal governments and public educational institutions can receive up to US $5,000 for arts programs commemorating the American Revolution and the “Revolution of Ideas” theme in Virginia. Virginia Commission for the Arts supports performances, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, screenings, public art, and arts education covering artist fees, marketing, materials, equipment, and venue rental.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community-focused programs. Performing arts organizations that fit its arts and humanities or community services priorities may be eligible.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Virginia performing arts presenters and eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and local or tribal government units in Virginia can receive $100 - $7,500 to support in-state touring performances. Grants from Virginia Commission for the Arts reimburse up to 50% of fees for artists on the VCA Touring Artist Roster, helping expand access to high-quality performances statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Virginia communities with arts, culture, education, or human services programs can seek US $10,000 - US $200,000 for projects, operations, or capital needs. With a mission to strengthen community vitality, Cameron Foundation provides funding for organizations where most participants live in its Tri-Cities–area service region, including Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell.

Public charities planning performing arts projects within Richmond city limits can seek funding for specific programs, projects, or operating support. Grants from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation help Virginia performing arts organizations that have had direct relationships with Leona or Rhodes Carpenter deliver performances within Richmond, whether the applicant is based locally or elsewhere.

Virginia 501(c)(3) arts organizations with prior-year cash income of at least $150,000 can apply for Virginia Commission for the Arts’ general operating support; awards are More than US $5,000 for core operating costs. Funding can cover artist fees, staff, facilities, marketing, accessibility, and other expenses to strengthen performing and other arts programming across Virginia.

Nonprofit fine arts organizations that regularly perform or exhibit in South Hampton Roads, Virginia can apply for funding to support their artistic programming and exhibitions. Focused on local arts and culture, Business Consortium for Arts Support invites eligible groups in Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight, and Southampton counties to seek support.

Nonprofit organizations and individual folk and traditional artists in Appalachian counties of Virginia, Ohio, and West Virginia can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Experiences grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for public-facing traditional arts projects. Grants support workshops, performances, exhibitions, media, and other events that engage communities and share cultural knowledge, which may include performing arts activities.

Nonprofit organizations and folk or traditional artists in ARC-designated Appalachian counties of Virginia can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation funding to create new or expanded public folk and traditional arts projects, with awards from US $1,000 - US $7,000. With a mission to strengthen community cultural life, this program supports workshops, performances, exhibitions, media projects, and other public-facing experiences that may include performing arts components.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia’s South Hampton Roads offering hands-on arts and cultural programs for youth can apply for Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Community Grants for Cultural Vitality. Funding supports programs that build visual, musical, literary, or performing arts skills and aim to improve academic performance, attendance, self-worth, and reduce risky behaviors, including for economically disadvantaged youth.

Virginia nonprofit arts organizations, local and tribal governments, and higher education institutions presenting the arts in Virginia can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for new or expanded creative programming that engages communities, including underserved groups. With a mission to foster innovative, high-quality arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts supports performances, exhibitions, public art, and other projects that demonstrate artistic and operational excellence with a 1:1 cash match.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Virginia performing and traditional folk artists in early stages of their practice can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program to deepen their skills and knowledge. Eligible artists in designated Appalachian counties of Virginia receive US $5,000 plus cohort-based professional development for learning opportunities, travel, classes, research, or needed supplies.

Nonprofit organizations and government or tribal entities in Virginia and other mid-Atlantic locations can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for folk and traditional arts projects such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations. Grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation help performing arts and cultural groups create publicly accessible projects that sustain traditional arts and engage underserved communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Arts organizations planning new or atypical arts projects in Virginia can apply for ArtsFairfax’s Project Support Grants: Opportunity subcategory, with awards of US $1,000 - US $25,000 for one-time opportunities and organizational growth. Eligible projects must engage residents of Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church City, including performing arts programs and events.

Nonprofit arts organizations in Virginia can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 to support partnership projects that expand or enhance artistic programming. ArtsFairfax provides funding for collaborations with individual artists, artist teams, or non-501(c)(3) arts groups, including performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and arts in education that engage Fairfax County-area residents.