Arlington Offers New Round of Funding for Equity-Based Grants
Published on September 25, 2024
Arlington County, in collaboration with the United Way of the National Capital Area, has continued funding for an equity-based grant program, "RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community." The program is designed to support local organizations’ efforts to address critical community needs.
About the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant Program
The County Board, in its FY 2024 budget guidance, identified the transition to a racial equity-based Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for awarding human and community service grants as a strategic priority. The RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant Program is an effort to move to a community needs funding model that can better support historically marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to resources, transparency, and accountability. In the inaugural FY 2025 grant cycle, Arlington County awarded a total of $2.39 million to 22 nonprofits meeting a variety of community needs.
Based on community feedback from the first iteration of the program, the application process has been streamlined and made more accessible to community organizations. It continues to be the County’s priority to develop funding opportunities that are accessible, meaningful, and driven by the needs of those whom Arlington serves. As a result, this year the County is expanding the engagement strategy and hosting several technical assistance training sessions to help ensure applicants receive ample support to submit competitive proposals.
This grant allows the voices and needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community members whom these nonprofits serve to be elevated through the financial support this funding opportunity provides," said Acting Director of Race and Equity Programs Cynthia Liccese-Torres. "We are committed to applying the racial equity lens throughout the process to ensure a comprehensive, informed impact – one that emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the community and nonprofit needs."
Eligibility and Review Process
All nonprofits who are an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization or a faith-based organization and serve Arlington County can apply for funding. The RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant guidelines are now available on the Office of RACE webpage. The application form will soon be available via a grant application portal by October 18, 2024. Written applications may be submitted until December 13, 2024. Award recommendations will be made to the County Board for approval at the County Board meeting in March 2025.
Arlington County and the United Way will host five (5) informational sessions from October through December to provide technical assistance to organizations interested and planning to apply for funding. Materials from each session will be made available online.
A foundational component of this funding opportunity is the transparency of the review process. The panel of reviewers will include both community representatives and County staff with relevant and related experience. Community members interested in being considered for the review panel can submit an interest form. Once selected, reviewers will receive training in racial equity and application scoring.
Visit the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community project page to view the full grant details, application instructions, the evaluation rubrics, sample templates, and upcoming dates for informational sessions.
Questions about the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant and application process should be directed to EquityGrant@arlingtonva.us.