The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) is now accepting applications for its Virginia Touring Grants to expand access to high-quality arts performances throughout Virginia.
Donor Name: Virginia Commission for the Arts
State: Virginia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Virginia Touring Grants help ensure that Virginians have access to dynamic and engaging performances. These grants support in-state touring by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50 percent of the performance fees when showcasing artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. VCA Touring Artists book performances with Virginia Presenters that take place at least 30 miles from the Artist’s home base. This long-standing program broadens the reach of the arts and creates new opportunities for Virginia artists, arts organizations, and audiences throughout the state.
Funding Information
Minimum grant awards will be $5,000 per year.
Grant Period
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Eligible Activities
- Programs listed in the Touring Artist Roster which take place at least 30 miles from home
base of the VCA Touring Artist/Ensemble - Programs must be open to the public, and the Presenter must provide community-wide
publicity. Elementary and secondary schools, senior living facilities, correctional facilities,
and hospitals are exempt from this requirement.
Eligibility Criteria
The Virginia Commission for the Arts awards grants to Virginia organizations which:
- Are nonprofit and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a), which includes the 501(c)(3) designation of the Internal Revenue code, or are units of government, or are educational institutions, or are local chapters of tax-exempt national organizations
- General Operating Support: Medium & Large Arts Organization and Operating Support Small Organizations must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, a 12- character alphanumeric value assigned, managed, and owned by the federal government through SAM.gov
- Remain in operation for the duration of the grant cycle to receive and apply the funds
- Produce, present, or support in Virginia, dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, visual, and related arts
- Must not be under current debarment or suspension from federal funding
- Must maintain complete and accurate financial records related to the funded activities for a minimum of five (5) years following the end of the grant period.
- Must have no past due Final Reports to the VCA at the time of application
Ineligibility
The Virginia Commission for the Arts does not fund:
- Lobbying activities intended to influence a member of Congress or the General Assembly, to favor or oppose any legislation
- Activities restricted to an organization’s membership
- Expenses related to parties, receptions, fundraising campaigns/events, or any associated costs including food, catering, alcoholic beverages, as well as costs for planning, staffing, and supplies for these events
- Cash awards, prizes, scholarships, or competitions
- Advancement of capital or endowment campaigns
- Activities that are primarily religious in purpose
- College or university-based projects that are part of a required course or curriculum that do not involve and serve a significant non-student population, or that are for activities that are otherwise available in the community
- General operating support for historic celebrations or community promotional activities
- Fines and penalties, legal settlements, bad debt costs, or deficit reduction
- Activities or programs that occur outside of the grant period
- Travel, activities, or programs that take place outside Virginia, with the exception of Capacity Building Grants and Artist Catalyst Grants
- Vocal, dance, and musical ensembles that perform primarily pop, Broadway, or barbershop music, or that focus primarily on competitions
For more information, visit VCA.
