ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County is accepting applications for $1.2 million in grants for nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents, continuing a program that awarded nearly $1.7 million to 31 nonprofits in its previous funding cycle.
The county's Opportunities Grant program funds organizations working to address community needs and reduce disparities in access to services.
The latest round of grants, covering fiscal year 2028, is open to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based organizations serving Arlington residents. Applications are due Dec. 11 at 11:59 p.m.
The county expects to award up to four grants of more than $50,000. Organizations seeking more than that amount must answer additional questions about their programs' sustainability, ability to expand and readiness to use the funding.
"The economic pressures that many local organizations faced last year still remain," said Cynthia Liccese-Torres, Arlington County's race and equity programs manager. "The Opportunities Grant is one way the County can continue to support our most vulnerable populations by way of local organizations providing critical human service needs."
The Opportunities Grant program grew out of Arlington County's efforts to change how it awards discretionary funding for human and community services.
The County Board approved the transition to a competitive, equity-based grant process in 2023, with the goal of making funding decisions more transparent and responsive to community needs.
The first grant cycle, covering fiscal year 2025, awarded approximately $2.4 million to 22 nonprofits.
In fiscal year 2026, the county awarded approximately $1.8 million to 23 organizations. The following year, 31 nonprofits received a combined $1.69 million.
Past recipients have included organizations providing health care to uninsured adults, after-school education, services for older residents and assistance to low-income families.
Applications are evaluated by county staff and community representatives, with funding recommendations submitted to the County Board for approval.
Organizations interested in the fiscal year 2028 Opportunities Grant can find application materials, eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria on the county's Opportunities Grant website.
The county has scheduled two virtual technical assistance sessions:
County staff will also offer virtual office hours to help organizations prepare their proposals.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Funding recommendations are expected to go before the County Board in March 2027.
Questions about the program can be directed to EquityGrant@arlingtonva.us.
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