Community Action Grants

About

Overview

Community Action Grants introduce a catalytic, small-dollar tier designed to lower barriers to participation and strengthen humanities engagement at the local level. This program supports clearly defined public humanities activities embedded in festivals, public events, and community gatherings. It creates an accessible entry point for first-time applicants and emerging organizations.

Awards

These awards grant up to $1,500.

Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions announced every two months beginning in January of each year. Projects or events must take place no sooner than three months after submission, allowing adequate time for proposal review and the promotion of funded events and activities.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or another eligible organization. For a full list, see "Who is eligible to apply?" in the FAQ.
Organizations may apply to only one grant opportunity at a time.
Organizations may not hold more than one active Virginia Humanities grant at a time.
A final report must be submitted and approved before applying for new funding.
The same project may be funded for up to two cycles, but not a third.

What We Fund

This grant helps communities integrate meaningful humanities engagement into festivals, events, and public gatherings—supporting action, dialogue, and shared learning at a local scale.

What We Don't Fund

Advocacy or political action, including projects promoting a specific policy or viewpoint
Creative or performing arts projects, unless used to support humanities-focused engagement
Credit-bearing courses (except those designed specifically for teachers)
Indirect costs
International travel
Awards, prizes, or gifts
Building construction, restoration, or renovation
Alcoholic beverages

How to Apply

Access the application and apply in the grants portal.

Award: Awards up to $1,500
Theme: Public humanities activities embedded in festivals, public events, and community gatherings that integrate meaningful humanities engagement and support action, dialogue, and shared learning at a local scale.
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit or another eligible organization; organizations may apply to only one grant opportunity at a time and may not hold more than one active Virginia Humanities grant simultaneously.