Tips for Applicants

New applicants to the Commission should contact Commission staff as soon as possible for information on application procedures.
The Commission staff will answer any questions about the grant programs, assist applicants in completing the forms, and review drafts of grant applications, if requested at least four weeks before the grant deadlines.
Check the Commission website regularly for news, grant applications, deadlines, and report forms.
Each year the Commission staff conducts application assistance workshops around the state to explain the different grant programs and application procedures. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the workshops.
All applicants should read the "General Policies" section as well as the guidelines for a particular grant program. General Policies apply to all grantees of the Commission.
In preparing grant applications, do not assume that the panelists know your organization first-hand. Tell your story and the impact you are hoping to achieve in as concise and compelling manner as possible. Include factual information to back up statements about your impact on the community.
Try not to use jargon, buzz words, and insider language in the proposal.
Applicants are responsible for complying with the instructions and Certification of Assurances attached to each application form .
Once an application is submitted to the Commission, inform the Commission promptly of any changes in the address, key personnel, or other pertinent information about your grant application. If a grant is awarded, any substantive changes in the activities or budget described in the application must be approved in advance by the Commission staff.
Each applicant should include the names of the advisory panelists, the board members of the Commission, and the Commission staff on all mailing lists, and regularly notify them of activities and events. The panelist lists are updated each year.
All advisory panel and Commission meetings are open to the public. Applicants and others may observe the meetings. The dates and locations of the meetings are available by contacting Commission staff .

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Virginia Commission for the Arts ▪ Lewis House ▪ 223 Governor Street ▪ Richmond, VA 23219
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