VCA: Virginia Touring Grants

The Virginia Touring Grants program supports high-quality arts performances by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50% of performance fees for artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. Designed to expand access to the arts, these grants are available to Virginia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and federally tax-exempt schools. Presenters must secure a 1:1 cash match and ensure programs are publicly accessible, fostering increased community engagement with the arts throughout Virginia.

NOTE: Virginia Touring Grant applications are available online beginning March 1.  Presenters must apply for touring support, including copies of signed contracts with touring artists/ensembles, at least two weeks prior to the event, and before December 1.
Purpose
To expand access to high-quality arts performances throughout Virginia.
Description
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.
Amount of Assistance
Up to 50 percent of the performance fee for touring programs listed on the Touring Artist Roster, subject to the overall funding limit allocated for each VCA Touring Artist/Ensemble. Virginia Touring Grant awards are made to the Presenter (not to the VCA Touring Artist/Ensemble), who is responsible for compensating the VCA Touring Artist/Ensemble in full. Grant awards are a minimum of $100 and maximum of $7,500 per performance.
Cash Match
Grant awards to organizations must be matched 1:1. For example, if an organization requests $1,000 from VCA, it must have at least $1,000 in cash income from another source (other than state or federal funds) towards the expenses of that same project. Sources of matching funds may include revenue from the project activities such as ticket sales, contributions from foundations or corporations, government support from federal or local sources, or cash from the organization’s own accounts.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Virginia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizationsVirginia units of local and tribal governments (including libraries, departments of parks and recreation, correctional facilities, etc.)Virginia federally tax-exempt schools (public, public charter, private, alternative, special education schools, homeschools, career and technical centers, colleges, and universities)Eligible Activities
Elementary and secondary schools, senior living facilities, correctional facilities, and hospitals may be exempt from this requirement.Eligibility RequirementsMeets the basic eligibility requirements as listed on page 9 of the Guidelines for FundingAll programming must take place in Virginia ADA-compliant facilitiesMust not be under current debarment or suspension from federal fundingMust have no past due Final Reports to the VCA at the time of application