Best Grants for Visual Artists in Virginia

Visual artists and costume professionals in Virginia can seek funding for research, courses, workshops, or travel that deepen their work with costume and textile arts. With a mission to foster understanding of dress and appearance, Costume Society of America’s Southeastern Region supports member projects that advance research, education, preservation, or design in this field.

Virginia 501(c)(3) arts organizations with annual cash income between $5,000 and $150,000 can receive operating support for artistic, administrative, and program expenses. The Virginia Commission for the Arts funds small visual, performing, and community arts groups to strengthen programs, facilities operations, marketing, and staffing that expand arts experiences for Virginians.

Virginia high school seniors in visual or performing arts seeking to attend a public college can receive scholarship support through the Tom and Dot Hand Scholarship. Northern Piedmont Community Foundation offers one $1,000 award for Culpeper and Eastern View High School students who show strong community standing, initiative, and commitment to their chosen arts field.

Virginia 501(c)(3) arts organizations with prior-year cash income of at least $150,000 can use this program for general operating support, including staff, artist fees, facilities, marketing, and other non-capital costs. The Virginia Commission for the Arts funds medium and large organizations whose primary purpose is the arts and that present multiple public programs annually.

Virginia nonprofits, government units, and higher education institutions in Virginia can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to create or expand innovative arts programs, including visual arts projects, that engage and impact communities. Grants from Virginia Commission for the Arts support new work, public art, festivals, and other creative initiatives, with a required 1:1 cash match.

Virginia local and tribal governments and public educational institutions can receive up to US $5,000 for innovative arts programs commemorating the American Revolution in Virginia. With a mission to support creative commemoration, Virginia Commission for the Arts provides programmatic funding for visual arts exhibitions, public art, festivals, performances, screenings, and arts education exploring the “Revolution of Ideas.”

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations offering visual arts, museums, or other cultural programs can seek funding for programs, general operations, or limited endowments. Herndon Foundation supports historic preservation and cultural experiences, with a strong preference for metro Richmond projects, awarding up to US $25,000 and prioritizing requests submitted via its online portal.

Students presenting costume-related visual arts research at the Costume Society of America’s Southeastern Region symposium can apply for the Jim Liles Student Award, receiving up to US $1,000 for travel and related expenses. Virginia-based or Virginia-focused visual artists enrolled as students may be eligible if their papers are accepted for presentation.

Visual artists, writers, and composers seeking financial help for an artist residency can apply for the Sheila Gulley Pleasants Fellowship at le Moulin à Nef in Auvillar, France. With a mission to provide time and space for creative work, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts supports eligible VCCA Fellows, including those based in Virginia.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running literacy, children’s, arts, social justice, or environmental programs in Virginia can apply for Nora Roberts Foundation grants of up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help visual arts and other eligible groups fund projects or programming, with potential flexibility for related operating costs tied to those programs.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, university departments, and individual artists working in visual and media arts or art history can seek Special Project Funding to support exhibitions, convenings, academic research, and education initiatives. Grants from Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation help projects across the U.S., with priority for rural Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas and occasional international work.

Rising sophomore through graduate students in Virginia studying visual arts or music at an accredited college or university can apply for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship Fund. Support is available for BFA, BA Studio Art, MFA, or music degree programs, with strong academic performance required.

Virginia visual and fine arts students who are American Indian or Alaska Native may be eligible for merit-based tuition support through the Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund. This Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship supports full-time vocational, undergraduate, and graduate study in areas like studio and visual arts, photography, film, creative writing, and related fields at accredited U.S. institutions.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college majors in music, visual arts, dance, or drama may be eligible for this scholarship, though it is limited to students from Shawnee, Oklahoma. With a mission to support education and the arts, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides this award for students accepted into a university program in the fine or performing arts.

Women-identifying visual and environmental artists in Virginia and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress environmental art projects with free public engagement. Focused on ecological and social ethics, New York Foundation for the Arts invites projects exploring themes like regeneration, ecofeminism, climate change, and systems restoration for the Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in fields like fine and visual arts, crafts, music, performing arts, and creative writing may receive need-based support through the Elizabeth Furber Scholarship, including students from Virginia. Native Forward Scholars Fund provides US $100 - US $30,000 to full-time students who can document Tribal affiliation.

U.S. college students in fine, visual, performing, or technical arts can apply for the Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 for ongoing degree studies. Applicants must attend an accredited campus-based U.S. college full-time, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and reside in a state with an active UNICO chapter, including Virginia.

Visual artists and arts nonprofits in Virginia can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 from VIA Art Fund to produce and exhibit new public or nontraditional visual art commissions. Funding supports creation, exhibition, documentation, and dissemination of innovative works that emphasize artistic excellence, thought leadership, and broad public engagement, often beyond traditional museum or gallery settings.

The MFA Fellowship, funded by the Dedalus Foundation, provides a $15,000 stipend to final-year students graduating from MFA programs in Painting and Sculpture in the U.S. Annually, four fellowships are awarded based on nominations from department chairpersons, allowing institutions to nominate two candidates each. Nominees must graduate in the following spring semester and submit application materials including work samples and a biographical statement. This initiative supports emerging artists in their professional development.

The Walter Blackburn Scholarship, established by Alpha Blackburn in memory of her husband, supports Marion County residents pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine arts, performing arts, or construction management. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to public school and minority students. Awards cover educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board, fostering educational opportunities in Central Indiana.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

Visual artists and arts organizations in Virginia creating environmentally focused, solution-oriented projects can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Environmental Artistic Activism support. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and fiscally sponsored projects working in fine art, photography, film, theater, music, or other non-AI visual disciplines that prioritize climate and environmental justice themes.

Emerging or early career Australian visual artists pursuing full-time study in the U.S. can receive US $30,000 for travel, living, tuition, and other costs. With a mission to support artistic development, American Australian Association provides graduate-level artists in fields like fine arts, art history, and conservation with one-year scholarships at accredited U.S. institutions.

The Community Foundation Of The Dan River Region

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (commonly known as The Foundation) is an independent public charity established in September 1996 by a group of local civic leaders to create permanent charitable resources for the region. Originally named the DPC Community Foundation, it serves areas including Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County in North Carolina. The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of residents by encouraging and facilitating donations, managing and investing those gifts responsibly, and distributing funds in alignment with donor intentions while addressing community needs. It envisions a region recognized for its generous communities, high quality of life, and support for those in need. The Foundation operates with values of transparency, equity, effective operations, strong community relationships, and celebration of local success stories. It is accredited under national community foundation standards and invests pooled charitable assets to make grants and awards that create lasting impact throughout its service area.

Shoemaker-Velarde Fine Arts Scholarship

The Shoemaker-Velarde Fine Arts Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing a major in fine arts. Applications are open to eligible students, with preference given to individuals from Gretna, Virginia. The scholarship is intended to encourage artistic development and support students committed to advancing their education in the fine arts.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 5+ years, studying fine arts and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.