If you’re part of a Main Street community in Virginia, you know how important it is to connect and amplify your community through its rich history and culture. Whether you’re planning a historic walking tour, a community storytelling event, or festivals that bring local heritage to life, Virginia Humanities can help provide a funding boost.
Virginia Humanities offers Regular Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 twice a year to support projects that engage the public in the humanities. Eligible applicants include 501c(3) nonprofits, units of local government, and Tribal nations. Grant funds can support a variety of activities, including but not limited to:
- Organizing festivals or performances that celebrate your community’s traditions
- Hosting community forums or panel discussions about local history and culture
- Exhibits, both physical and online
- Media programs: production of films, script development, videos, television, radio, podcasts, websites, or digital media
- Print publications including books, brochures, exhibit catalogs, and interpretive maps
- Travel expenses for project personnel (mileage and meals)
Key Dates to Apply:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) due: September 30, 2025
- Full application deadline: October 31, 2025
- Funding decisions announced: December 15, 2025
Virginia Humanities Regular grants must be matched with at least an equal amount of Cost Share, which can be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources.
In addition to the biannual Regular Grants, Virginia Humanities also offers Rapid Grants up to $3,500 as well as funding for Fellowships and Folklife Apprenticeships.
Image Credit: Virginia Humanities
Virginia Main Street 
