Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc, known as ArtsFairfax, is a public charity based in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded in 1964, it supports arts and culture opportunities in Fairfax County through grants and services for the arts community.
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc at a glance
In short: Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc gave $718K across 33 grants in 2025 (avg $22K), mostly in Virginia. 15% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $717,569
- -6.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 33
- +3.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $21,745
- -9.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $14,296
- Total assets
- $2,422,438
- +178.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (5 of 33, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
- Review Cycle
- The Ticket & Participation Subsidy program has no fixed deadline stated; requests are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
- Deadline
- The Ticket & Participation Subsidy program has no fixed deadline stated; requests are reviewed on a rolling basis…
- Contact
Mailing address: 2667 Prosperity Avenue Suite A, Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (703) 642-0862
Website: https://artsfairfax.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
Operating Support Grants
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
Amount
$591,900 total awarded (FY25)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Project Support Grants
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ticket & Participation Subsidy Grant
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Nextstop Theatre Company ($66K). Together the top 10 received $428K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($52,158), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
148 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 136 grants of 148 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ArtsFairfax’s grant programs serve organizations and projects in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. All grant dollars listed for filing year 2025 went to recipients in Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 33 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 33 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $29K; repeat grants $21K. How we count
Medians: $16K first-time, $14K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $480K (2021) to $768K (2024). In 2025 it made 33 grants totaling $718K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nextstop Theatre Company Herndon, VA | Operating Support | $66,080 |
| McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) McLean, VA | Operating Support | $61,212 |
| 1ST Stage Tysons, VA | Operating SUPPORT,PROJECT SUPPORT,TICKET Subsidy and Participation Grant | $55,539 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $52,158 |
| Creative Cauldron Falls Church, VA | Operating SUPPORT,TICKET Subsidy and Participation Grant | $46,056 |
| Workhouse Arts Center Lorton, VA | Operating Support | $40,124 |
| Traveling Players Ensemble Inc Great Falls, VA | Operating Support | $40,118 |
| Balletnova Center for Dance Falls Church, VA | Operating Support | $37,198 |
| American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras Annandale, VA | Operating Support | $36,046 |
| Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Merrifield, VA | Operating SUPPORT,TICKET Subsidy and Participation Grant | $26,974 |
Ready to take the next step with Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,422,438 | $1,834,754 | $1,782,056 | $717,569 | 33 | $27,231 |
| 2024 | $869,537 | $1,828,423 | $1,822,701 | $768,151 | 32 | $30,481 |
| 2023 | $800,308 | $1,634,007 | $1,669,073 | $651,819 | 36 | $7,352 |
| 2022 | $710,775 | $1,457,030 | $1,412,782 | $489,243 | 23 | $1,855 |
| 2021 | $821,245 | $1,525,222 | $1,380,821 | $480,207 | 24 | $1,789 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s filing states that its mission is to expand support for and access to arts and culture opportunities for all of Fairfax County. Its filing describes grantmaking, communications and information services for the arts community, and service programs such as educational workshops and support for county-wide arts planning.
ArtsFairfax’s grant programs support nonprofit arts organizations and cultural groups based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church. Its website describes Operating Support grants as promoting organizational stability, Project Support grants as funding projects that engage Fairfax County residents, and Ticket & Participation Subsidy grants as supporting free or reduced-price tickets, tuition, and transportation.
The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. NextStop Theatre describes its work as professional nonprofit theatre programs that inspire, educate, and entertain. McLean Project for the Arts says it connects art and community through exhibitions and arts education. Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art describes a year-round program of contemporary visual art exhibitions, education programs, and special events. Other recipients include performing arts, dance, music, and multidisciplinary organizations.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, ArtsFairfax reported 33 grants totaling $717,569. Grant amounts ranged from $5,050 to $66,080, with a median of $14,296. The listed purposes include operating support, project support, and ticket or participation subsidies.
The largest listed grants included $66,080 to NextStop Theatre, $61,212 to McLean Project for the Arts, $55,539 to 1st Stage, $52,158 to Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, and $46,056 to Creative Cauldron. The website lists Operating Support awards of up to $60,000 and Project Support awards of up to $25,000. Ticket & Participation Subsidy awards are up to $3,000.
Applications are submitted through an online application system. The published instructions say applicants must complete an eligibility form before proceeding to the main application. As of October 2, 2026, the FY27 Operating Support and Project Support application cycles are closed; the website says the FY28 cycles are expected to open in January and May 2027, respectively. The FY27 Ticket & Participation Subsidy application is listed as open, with requests reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Scott Cryer as chair, Michael Liberman as vice-chair, Julie D. Carter as secretary, and Amy Ginn as treasurer. It also lists Barry Biggar, Catherine Smitty Smith, Dr. Maurice Mo B. Springer, Eileen Filler-Corn, Elizabeth Murphy, and Greg Riegle as directors.
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc is led by Stuart Holt, President & CEO on every filing since 2024; 1 of 25 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Stuart Holt
President & CEO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$120K (2025)
Scott Cryer
Chair
Director → Chairman, 2023
Chairman → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Smitty Smith
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eileen Filler-Corn
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leila Gordon
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maurice Mo B. Springer
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pat Macintyre
Director
Treasurer → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Sargeant
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sean Sharifi
Director
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Tadlock
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michele Shelly Hazel
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peggy Fox
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Skip Chaples
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Greg Riegle
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Matt Poteete
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Davis
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barry Biggar
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Murphy
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joesph Funderburke
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Brown-Simmons
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Raea Jean Leinster
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael S. Liberman
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Ginn
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie D. Carter
Secretary
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Linda S. Sullivan (2021–2024) — President & CEO
- Former: Suzanne H. Bissell (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Douglas J. Sanderson (2022–2024) — Legal Counsel
- Former: Sung Bin Im (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Upen Patel (2022–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Bill Dubose (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Deirdre M. Johnson (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Jose Banzon (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Dandre Willis (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Jennifer C. Owen (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Michael P. Coogan (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Shelly Hazel (2021–2022) — Chairwoman
- Former: Eileen Filler Corn (2022) — Director
- Former: F. Russell Hines (2021) — Director
- Former: Michael Forehand (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $120K, to Stuart Holt (President & CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc
How much does Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc give each year?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc gave $718K across 33 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $768K across 32 grants.
What is Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's typical grant size?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's median grant in 2025 was $14,296, and its average grant was $21,745, across 33 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc that year got $29K on average.
Where does Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc give grants?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc gives mostly in Virginia: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fairfax, VA (6 grants), Reston, VA (6 grants), McLean, VA (3 grants) and Falls Church, VA (3 grants).
Does Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 88% of Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (29 of 33) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Project Support" (3 grants).
Who are Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's largest grantees?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Nextstop Theatre Company ($66,080), McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) ($61,212) and 1ST Stage ($55,539), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($52,158), which are not listed by name. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc reported $2.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.8M.
What does Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc fund?
The organization’s filing states that its mission is to expand support for and access to arts and culture opportunities for all of Fairfax County. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check artsfairfax.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's EIN?
Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 54-0784570. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS December 21, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 23, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 27, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/arts-council-of-fairfax-county-inc-morg_ed39d11f123047d482789c836eedc41d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_540784570_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/arts-council-of-fairfax-county-inc-morg_ed39d11f123047d482789c836eedc41d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Arts Council of Fairfax County Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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