CultureWorks Arts & Culture Community Impact Grant

Three-Step Application Process

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

Opens: February 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM EST

Closes: February 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST (No exceptions)

Portal: https://richmondcultureworks.smapply.io/

After LOI review by volunteer panel, applicants are notified if invited to proceed

Non-finalists invited to attend grants presentation as spectators and network with potential funders

Step 2: Full Application (Invitation-Only)

Opens: April 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT

Closes: April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT

Portal: https://richmondcultureworks.smapply.io/

Only applicants invited via SMApply after LOI review can access full application

Early submission is strongly encouraged

Step 3: Live Grants Presentation

2-minute live, visual, or audio recording submission required describing:

- Your project
- Audience/population your project will serve
- How funding will impact you (as artist/organization) and/or the community served
- Why you/your organization should receive funding

Part of live "Shark Tank"-style event with potential for additional questions

Date: Anticipated sometime in second half of May 2026 (specific date/time TBD)

LOI Review Criteria

LOIs reviewed and evaluated by panel of community volunteers:

For All Applications:

Justification of Need: Degree to which grant funding furthers artist's/organization's vision and accomplishes stated goals

Use of Funds: Evidence that grant assists artistic growth or overall development

Likelihood of Project Completion: Capacity to successfully accomplish stated goals

Overall Impact:

- Efforts to further appreciation of applicant's art form
- Community involvement and promotion plans
- Extent to which project meets community needs

Additional Criteria for Cultural Equity Grants:

Authenticity of engagement to increase access for underrepresented population

Demonstration that identified audience is currently underrepresented in Richmond and Tri-Cities region

Tips for Success

• Be concise: Minimize word counts while conveying full message within maximum allowed
• Be focused: Keep grant review criteria and eligibility requirements in mind
• Focus on impact: Emphasize tangible outcomes
• Use clear, persuasive language: Avoid jargon, slang, overly technical terms
• Show passion: Let enthusiasm shine through without being over-the-top
• Tailor to funder: Reflect CultureWorks' language and values
• AI caution: May use AI to clean up writing but avoid relying on AI to write narratives—they will sound generic and unconvincing

Post-Award Requirements (if funded)

Required Documents:

IRS Form W-9

Agreement document assuring compliance with program terms and conditions

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov (for Cultural Equity grant recipients in years with Federal Funds)

Fund Usage:

Funds must be used within fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) as described in proposal

Any changes to project purpose must be reported to CultureWorks in advance

Maintain accounting records and source documents (receipts, payroll records) for four years after final report submission

Reporting Requirements:

Mid-Year Report: Due halfway through project or by December 31, 2025

Final Report: Due 30 days after project completion or by July 31, 2026

Submit through online application system

Late or missing reports may impact future funding opportunities

Marketing & Acknowledgment:

Include CultureWorks acknowledgment on all project materials (newsletters, programs, press releases)

Use CultureWorks logo where possible

Cultural Equity grant recipients must also acknowledge National Endowment for the Arts in all related materials and announcements

Application Resources

• Grant Application Overview Webinar: January 15, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM (recorded version available on website)
• Chat with Grants Program Strategist: 15-minute slots available January 16, 21, 22, 23 (sign up via SignUp Genius)
• 2026 Grant Guidelines
• Stage 2 Project Budget Template
• CultureWorks Strategic Plan
• Helpful Videos: Artist Application Walkthrough, Organization Application Walkthrough
• Virtual Grant Information Session Recording available