ARTS SUPPORT FUNDING
The Fredericksburg Arts Commission (FAC) seeks to support both new and established arts events and projects in the City of Fredericksburg that celebrate and expand the arts in our community.
Through the FAC, arts events and projects can apply and compete to receive financial, networking, and marketing support. For the purposes of competing for this support, FAC defines “arts” broadly and artists – visual, functional, performing, literary, digital, culinary – are encouraged to seek out FAC support for events and projects in our city.
As fiscal resources are limited, support for arts events/projects from FAC is determined via a competitive process. Applicants for support are encouraged to closely follow the application guidelines and keep in mind eligibility and evaluation criteria. Awards typically range between $500 – $2,000 and funding will be determined based on the following eligibility and criteria.
GOALS, ELIGIBILITY, & EVALUATION CRITERIA
Goals:
The purpose of this Art Support Program is to fund projects, programs, and events that elevate and assert the City of FBXG as an arts destination. These modest funds are not intended to fund the entirety of the program or project but rather provides supplemental assistance for key components of the event/program/project. Funding for this program is allocated through the annual budget, established by the Fredericksburg City Council.
Eligibility:
- The event/project must be primarily an arts-focused event/project and demonstrate a clear correlation with the arts.
- The event/project must include significant public outreach and engage the Fredericksburg Arts community.
- The event/project should not primarily benefit a for-profit business, a single artist / entity, or be a private event.
- The event/project should have a clear connection to the arts community within the City to Fredericksburg (22401 zip code). This includes but is not limited to taking place within the city limits, engaging City FXBG artists, or promoting the City as an arts destination.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate, enrich, and increase awareness of the City’s vibrant arts and cultural community.
- Applications should clearly outline how the requested funds will be allocated (e.g., marketing, artist compensation, equipment, logistics, etc.), providing specific details for intended use.
- The application form must be completed correctly and submitted by the deadline.
- The application must show additional support from one or more sources, including internal funding, volunteers’ time, in-kind donations, sponsors, or sales.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants for arts support from the FAC must submit a completed application form (see “Apply for Funding” link at bottom of this page) and a proposed event/project budget. The completed application form consists of the following:
- Basic contact information
- Event/project abstract (limited to 300 words)
- Event/project description (demonstration of detailed and clearly articulated planning, including timelines, event execution plan, and consideration of benefits to the arts community and the city should be incorporated here)
- Host (artist or organization) description/mission and history/background (limited to 150 words)
- Impact statement (demonstration of benefits to the arts community and the City as a whole)
- Detailed budget and plan for use of funds
Applications for arts support must be received by the FAC by April 1, July 1, and October 1. Please note that these are new deadlines effective July 1, 2025. The FAC reviews applications in June, August, and November. All financial support is dependent on approval by the FAC and all applicants will be notified of the FAC’s decision.
FUNDING DETERMINATIONS
The FAC reserves the right to fully or partially fund any request. Applicants are advised that funding requests are rarely fully funded. The funding determinations are based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to:
- Available funds in the FAC budget
- Total applications received in a quarter or a year
- Impact and engagement with the community
It is understood that receipt of support and partnering with FAC does not constitute a recurring obligation for support. Event/projects hosts must submit an application for each occurrence of the event/project for which financial support is sought.
Events/projects supported through this program must identify that support was received from the Fredericksburg Arts Commission in their publicity efforts.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact the FAC via e-mail to ArtsFunding@FredericksburgVa.gov with any questions regarding partnering with FAC or to apply for support for an arts event or project.