Operating Support Grants
Operating Support Grants
ArtsFairfax Operating Support advances the arts in Fairfax County by supporting the goals and objectives of arts organizations, helping them maintain and develop their programs, services, and facilities. Operating Support Grants are awarded annually to arts organizations of all disciplines.
- Small Organizations (budgets under $100,000) are able to request up to 25% of general operating expenses up to $15,000
- Medium/Large Organizations (budget over $100,000) may request 15% of general operating expenses up to $60,000.
Drop-In Support for ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant Program Applicants
Have a quick question about eligibility, or how to complete a portion of the grant narrative, charts, or other supporting materials? Get instant one-on-one support for your grant application questions from ArtsFairfax Grants staff.
Virtual Office Hour sessions will be held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons throughout March leading up to the application deadline of Friday March 28, 2025.
You may attend multiple sessions after you register (i.e. register for Wednesdays once, and you’ll be able to drop in between 4 and 5pm on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th)
- Wednesday Afternoons (4-5pm): Register on Zoom
- Friday Afternoons (12-1pm): Register on Zoom
Key Dates
- January 23, 2025 Updated Guidelines & Application available
- January 28, 2025 Standard Information Session #1 12:00pm-1:30pm
- January 30, 2025 Abridged Information Session #2 at 12:00pm-1:00pm
- March 28, 2025 Application Deadline
- May 20-23, 2025 Operating Support Review Panel
- August 2025 FY26 Award announcement
- August 1, 2025 FY25 Final reports due for organizations awarded FY2025.
- August 1, 2026 FY26 Final reports due for organizations awarded FY2026.
Eligibility:
Nonprofit arts organizations based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church are eligible to apply for Operating Support Grants to support basic operations.
The ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant Program seeks to:
- Provide support for established and emerging arts organizations;
- Encourage wide participation in the arts by expanding exposure to Fairfax County’s diverse voices and traditions in cultural programming;
- Promote opportunities for a diversity of cultural workers, leaders, individual artists, and arts organizations to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors and traditions; and
- Serve as a catalyst for increased resiliency, transformation, and expanded resources through public funding.
