Nonprofit Grant Program

Applicants must meet the following baseline criteria to be eligible for a nonprofit grant program. 

• The organization must be located within the City of Fairfax and/or provides services to city residents.
• Be a nonprofit certified as a 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service at the time of submission of the application.
• Have a mission that is consistent with serving the city’s areas of need. The four areas of need established for this program are:
  • Prevention and Self-Sufficiency: Services that help individuals and families achieve or maintain independence and stability by providing tools, skills, and resources. Examples: rental assistance, employment services, childcare services.
  • Crisis Intervention and Diversion: Services for individuals and families in crisis to address immediate needs and prevent more costly, intensive interventions. Examples: homelessness prevention activities.
  • Long-Term Support: Services for individuals with ongoing support needs to help them stay healthy, safe, and independent. Examples: services for older adults, group home services, behavioral and mental health services.
  • Improved Quality of Human Services: Services that enhance the quality, accessibility, and coordination of community services. Examples: education, training, youth programs, after-school programs, legal aid programs.

• Any funding allocated through this grant process must be utilized to assist city residents.
• Show proof of financial stability by providing the last three (3) years of IRS 990 forms and other financial documentation.
• Be in good standing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission at the time of submission and throughout the course of funding.
• Subject to limited expectations, Virginia law prohibits localities from appropriating public funds to organizations controlled in whole or in part by churches to include other houses of worship such as temples, mosques, synagogues, etc., or
  1. It is not in whole or in part by a church (or other house of worship) or sectarian society; and
  2. The programs of such organizations do not discriminate based on, and are not otherwise contingent upon the religious affiliation of participants or those eligible to receive assistance.

Furthermore, city grants may not be used for any religious purpose or activity including, but not limited to, religious worship, instruction, or proselytization. View the law code here.

To be considered for funding, applicants must also demonstrate the following:

• Present a documented, data-driven need for the organization’s program or service.
• Show demonstrated outcomes for the program or service.
• Show that the program or service provide a direct benefit to city residents.
• Demonstrate that the program or service enhances the quality of life for City of Fairfax
  residents.
• Demonstrate that the organization has the administrative resources to administer funds and to implement and oversee the program or service.
• Show that funding requested is realistic given the service level, and that the organization does not rely predominately on city grant funds.
• Show documented efforts by the organization to secure funding from other sources.
• Agree to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the city and adhere to reporting requirements.
• Submit a detailed budget outlining the breakdown of costs (both direct and indirect) connected to the organization’s proposal for use of the nonprofit grant if awarded.
• The organization's mission should align with the City of Fairfax City Council’s vision and related goals. "The City of Fairfax has a strong, sustainable economy that supports a vibrant and equitable 21st century community. Council goals are focused in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability/stewardship, community, transportation and governance."

At the conclusion of the application period, all applications will be reviewed by a panel of City of Fairfax staff that includes representatives from Human Services, Economic Development, Community Development and Planning, Parks, Finance and the city’s Title VI Coordinator.

Committee members will evaluate the applications on the services provided, mission, and demonstration of need as well as economic impact and other financial indicators. The program review of the application is conducted by the representatives from departments listed above and the financial review of the applications is conducted by the Finance Department.

Each reviewer’s scores are compiled for a final average score, with any major discrepancies reconciled by consensus.

Questions about the program may be submitted until Oct. 14 via email to the City of Fairfax’s Director of Human Services, Lesley Abashian, at Lesley.Abashian@fairfaxva.gov.

Answers to these questions will be published on this page on Oct. 21.

Funding for the nonprofit grant programs is allocated through the city's annual budget process and/or biannual supplemental appropriations, as decided by the Mayor and Council.

FAQ Document Dated 10/21/2024(PDF, 118KB)