Arlington County Continues Equity-Based Grant Program
Published on October 19, 2026
Arlington County has reaffirmed its support for the “Opportunities Grant,” which is now accepting proposals. The program continues to invest in local organizations working to address critical community needs.
About the Opportunities Grant Program
As part of the County’s FY 2024 budget guidance, the County Board prioritized transitioning to a racial and social equity-based Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for awarding human and community service grants. The Opportunities Grant program reflects this commitment by adopting a community needs funding model that promotes equitable access to resources, transparency, and accountability. Last grant cycle, in FY 2027, Arlington County awarded $1.69 million to 31 nonprofits delivering a variety of human services.
"The economic pressures that many local organizations faced last year still remain," said Cynthia Liccese-Torres, 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."
Eligibility and Review Process
Nonprofits that are an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization or a faith-based organization and serve Arlington County are eligible to apply. The Opportunities Grant application package is now available on the Office of RACE webpage. Written applications may be submitted until December 11, 2026, by 11:59 pm. Award recommendations are anticipated to be made to the County Board for approval at the County Board meeting in March 2027.
Arlington County will host a virtual informational session in late October to provide technical assistance to organizations interested in applying for funding. Materials from the session as well as those from previous years’ technical assistance sessions will be made available online. Additionally, County staff will offer virtual office hours to assist nonprofits during the application process.
Reviewers will include both community representatives and County staff. Community members interested in participating in the focus group review panels can submit their interest form here.
Visit the Opportunities Grant project page to view the full grant details, application instructions, the evaluation rubric, and the upcoming date for the virtual informational session.
Questions about the Opportunities Grant and application process should be directed to EquityGrant@arlingtonva.us.