Using Our VCA Funding in Virginia
Andrew and his bandmates have been part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Assistance Program since 2010. Eligible presenters in Virginia can be reimbursed up to 50% of the band's fees for concerts and workshops until the band's funding allocation for that period is used up. Once that happens, waitlist funds sometimes can come available late in the year for the first six months of the following year.
Virginia Touring Grant performances must take place in the Commonwealth, be open to the public, and the Presenter must provide community-wide publicity. Elementary and secondary public schools, senior living facilities, correctional facilities, and hospitals are exempt from this requirement. Grants may not be used for fundraising events.
Eligible presenters may include any nonprofit Virginia organization with a valid UEI# from SAM.gov, and produce, present, or support, dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, visual, and related arts. Some examples of eligible nonprofit Presenters include:
- not-for-profit and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) including 501(c)3
- units of local and tribal governments (parks and recreation or other municipal summer concert series, for instance)
- Arts organizations
- Theatres
- PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities
- Libraries
- Festivals
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Service organizations
- Local chapters of tax exempt national organizations
Any not-for-profit organization meeting the eligibility criteria can apply to receive a touring assistance grant to support these activities. Grants are made to the presenter (sponsor), not to the touring artist(s). Applicants must comply with federal civil rights, age discrimination, and ADA compliance/Disability Act.