Grants for non-profit Arts & Culture programs

GRANT APPLICATIONS:

The online grant application deadline is April 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST. This is a receipt deadline. There are no extensions, no exceptions. Late applications will not be accepted.

All applicants are welcome to meet with the arts manager to review the submission format no later than one week before the application is due via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, by telephone, or in person at a mutually convenient location. Weekend and evening meetings are available.

Call 757-274-2819 or email debra.burrell@norfolk.gov for more information.

Since 1978 the Norfolk Arts Commission has worked to create a dynamic and lively cultural community. The Commission is made up of volunteer members appointed by the City Council. Grant-supported programs reach into every neighborhood and give all citizens the opportunity to enjoy the finest arts Norfolk has to offer.

Grant categories include General Operating Support, Project Grants, and Arts Equity Funding Support. The Norfolk Arts Commission awards grants to not-for-profit organizations that benefit the citizens of Norfolk in general and special groups in particular, have an active lay Board of Directors, are committed to abiding by federal regulations which bar discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex and which require accessibility for persons with disabilities as detailed on the application.

THESE GRANTS ARE SPECIFICALLY FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS that respond to the arts and cultural needs of Norfolk’s ethnic and distinct communities, and underserved populations (which include minorities and traditionally under-represented populations) and that equitably promote the development of arts and culture based in those communities. Programs are presented with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

These grants were created with several goals in mind:
• to promote more funding equity for the small and medium-sized organizations
• to make the Attucks Theatre more affordable to local organizations and their audiences
• to enhance educational components in organizations’ programming
• to obtain administrative support