Apply for a Grant
Apply Online
VFH is converting to an on-line system for all grant applications. This change applies to both Open and Discretionary grant proposals.
Beginning April 1, 2010, all applicants are expected to submit their grant requests electronically.
Please note: we are still requiring that one copy of the on-line application be printed and submitted, with original signatures, as part of the application process. This applies to Open and Discretionary grants.
Both the on-line proposal and the single paper copy must be received by the deadline in the case of Open Grant applications.
To apply online, visit our online grants portal and click "Create New Account" to get started.
Eligibility
Any incorporated non-profit organization in Virginia is eligible to apply. Incorporated nonprofit organizations based outside of Virginia are also eligible if their project deals with a subject or subjects directly related to Virginia and a significant audience within the state is anticipated. Individuals are not eligible to apply for VFH Grants.
Restrictions on Funding
VFH Grants may not be used to support the following:
- Advocacy or political action programs that promote a particular solution or point of view
- Creative or performing arts, unless they are used in a supporting role to enhance discussion of issues
- Research or writing unless these are integral to programs having a direct public audience
- Subvention of publications
- Courses for credit, except those designed especially for teachers
- Acquisition of equipment
- Building construction, restoration, or preservation
- Refreshments or entertainment
- Meals, other than necessary travel expenses for program personnel
- International travel
- Indirect costs
- Projects whose primary audience is children or youth
- More than 50% of a project's total cost
- Expenses incurred or paid out before a VFH grant award is made
For more information on VFH Grant policies and procedures, please read the VFH Grant Manual (doc).
Personnel
The participation of all speakers, advisors, consultants and other project personnel should be confirmed by the time the proposal is submitted. The term "humanities scholar" may include:
- Teaching or research college faculty
- Local historians or independent scholars who have a strong record of scholarship
- Professional museum curators
- Librarians, writers, and others whose work is strongly grounded in the humanities
- Persons representing various cultural traditions—a Native American tribal chief, for example—if they are recognized as spokespersons for their traditions.
Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Decisions are made by the VFH Board of Directors, in consultation with the Virginia Foundation staff. In making its decisions, the Board considers the significance of the project and its overall prospects for success; the involvement of the humanities and humanities scholars in the project; the qualifications and experience of the project personnel; the immediate and long-term impact of the project on a well-defined target audience, which generally should include the general public; and the relationship of the project to the goals and priorities of VFH and the Grant Program.
The number and size of grants awarded in any cycle or year are limited by the funds available. Following the guidelines and meeting all the stated eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. In choosing among equally compelling projects, VFH may consider geographic distribution, diversity of institutions and communities to be served, and other factors. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within ten (10) days following any action taken by the Board. Inquiries about the status of proposals during the review period are strongly discouraged.
Staff Assistance
VFH staff is available to advise prospective applicants at any stage of the process. All applicants are urged to contact the staff prior to submission of their proposals. Draft proposals are encouraged. We recommend that drafts be submitted at least three weeks prior to the deadline to allow time for a thorough staff review. For more information, please call 434-924-3296 or email vfhgrants@virginia.edu.
