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.
Register for one of our upcoming information sessions here:
January 28, 12:00-1:30 Standard Information Session
Who should attend:
- New applicant organizations
- Applicants who are new to the ArtsFairfax Operating Support application
- Any applicants who are looking for a detailed review of eligibility requirements, grant criteria, and the application and submission process.
- Anyone unable to attend the January 30 session
January 30, 12:00-1:00 Abridged Information Session
Who should attend:
- Returning applicants or anyone familiar with the ArtsFairfax Operating Support application.
- Anyone unable to attend on January 28.
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.
