Opportunities Grant

General

Does the County have a target number of grant proposals they would like to award through this grant program?
The County does not have a number of anticipated grant awards. As a point of comparison, the FY25 grant cycle had 22 awards, and the FY26 grant cycle had 23 awards. We are relying on the applicant organizations to identify the biggest community needs to show how the limited grant funding can have the most effective community impact rather than having the County pre-determine a specific number of grant awards.

If there is no cap on award requests, is there anything that would be considered too high?
There is no advertised cap on requests. FY25 requests ranged from roughly $15,000 to $500,000, with over two thirds being below $150,000; awards were up to $225,000. FY26 awards ranged from $26,000 to the cap of $150,000. Given the limited total funding available of $1.25 million, the County encourages applicants to limit individual request to no more than $50,000. The County does not anticipate awarding many requests above $50,000.

How did the County determine that only four (4) larger requests would be awarded? Will they represent different identified need categories (economic security, education quality & access, health care quality & access, safety, and social connection & community)?
The County anticipates awarding a maximum of four (4) larger requests given the reduced amount of total funding available compared to prior grant cycles. The County anticipates that awarding four (4) larger requests would amount to approximately one half of the available total funding, leaving the remaining funding to be spread amongst smaller requests to support multiple areas of need. The County is not requiring that the four larger requests represent different identified need categories, although it is expected that the different categories will be represented across all awards.

Application Package

Are different questions/sections weighted differently?
Each question is worth 5 points. There is no weighting.

What needs to be included in the budget narrative?
The budget narrative only needs to describe the budget being requested from the Opportunities Grant. There is no word limit on this question.

In the sample grant agreement, there is a discrepancy in the amount of the award that needs to be spent by the end of the second quarter. Which is correct?
Similar to the FY26 process, applicants will be expected to have spent 50% of the funding they'd received in the first two quarters in order to receive upfront quarterly tranches after the second quarter.

Review

Who will be the staff reviewers, and how will it be determined who reads which application?
Staff reviewers will be recruited from a variety of County departments. There will be some targeted recruitment of staff with expertise in human services, community development, and grants management. Assignments of applications to staff reviewers are randomly, although conflicts of interest will be avoided. All staff reviewers will be trained on objective scoring and using the rubric. All staff reviewers will participate in group discussions on the proposals, scoring, and funding recommendations.

How will the Community Focus Groups be recruited?
The County continues to refine the recruitment plan. Participants will likely be recruited from community members who have served as grant reviewers in other County grant programs and those who have served in other County focus groups. Additionally, recruitment efforts will take place in public spaces (libraries, community rec centers, etc.) through fliers, e-boards, etc.

Will the applicants get reviewer feedback?
Yes, applicants will receive their scores and narrative feedback from County staff review/discussion and focus group comments. This feedback will be given after awards have been approved.

General

When will the final Q&A be posted?
Any remaining questions/answers will be posted on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Can new organizations apply?
New organizations are welcome to apply. If you have any questions about what may be required for the proposal, please reach out to Elizabeth Matlock, ematlock@arlingtonva.us.

Is there a priority for new programming versus ongoing programming?
There is no preference. In either case, a strong application will highlight the impact that their proposed programming has/will have. If requesting funding for current programming, the application should highlight the impact of this funding - ex: will this funding improve the quality of programming, help it expand, or ensure that it will be able to continue?

Is there a preference for larger or smaller requests?
The County intends to only award a small number of larger requests. However, applicants may request larger amounts. The strongest applications which include larger requests (above $50,000) will detail thoughtful and creative ways to scale their proposal or will demonstrate the significant need for the larger request.

Is this funding opportunity tied to federal funding and related reporting requirements?
No, this funding comes from the Arlington County General Fund and is not related to federal reporting requirements.

Application Questions

How could a newer organization adequately respond to question 20?
Newer organizations should highlight their staff's/volunteers' experience, in addition to the experience of any potential staff and partners.

How should we distinguish questions 14, 15, and 16?
Question 14 deals with outputs. This typically refers to actions taken towards your goal. These are easily quantifiable (ex: hours, meetings, clients, trainings), and you have direct control over them. Outputs work towards outcomes, the topic of question 15. Outcomes are also measurable, but the measures may be qualitative or quantitative. Outcomes demonstrate bigger picture impact. However, you have less control over them - in other words, you can provide wonderful programming (good outputs), but there may be confounding variables (ex: other things going on in peoples' lives) that influence the overall outcomes. However, the hope is that your proposal will accomplish good outcomes. Question 16 builds off of outcomes and looks at how those outcomes, if accomplished, will reduce, eliminate, or prevent inequities. To answer this question, you may consider using your own organization's data and experience and/or data and research from other organizations and publications to support why you believe your outcomes will result in the described impact on inequities.

Could you describe what you're looking for in question 17 more?
Applicants should consider what might be keeping people from participating in their programming. Are there individuals or families who may benefit from the proposed services, but they are not able to participate for some reason. Is there something you could do to overcome that limitation and help the individual or family participate? Some examples may include, but are not limited to, language, transportation, accessibility, childcare, etc.

Any other tips we should consider when writing this proposal?
Make a strong case for your impact - how will this funding result in a positive impact for individuals and families in the Arlington community.
Use local and current data to the greatest extent possible. This data can come from your own experience (qualitative or quantitative) and/or other published sources.
The strongest proposals tell a big story - making strong connections between the need, the people being served, the services provided, and the impact.
Write for programming that you're passionate about - your excitement will shine through your words.
If relevant, connect your proposal to current events and emergent needs - this can be used to strengthen your proposal and the need it is addressing.

Award Information

If awarded, the quarterly report asks for Client Impact Points. What does that refer to?
Grantees will define their own client impact points. Since this grant funds a variety of services, each grantee is asked to define what a client impact point is (ex: one meal served to one client, one week of summer camp for one youth, one doctor visit, one emergency rent payment, one case management meeting, etc.).

How will SMART goals be determined for the quarterly report?
SMART goals will be determined in collaboration between the County and grantees, building off of their proposal's outcomes and outputs (questions 14-15).

How are focus group participants selected to ensure there are no conflicts of interest?
Focus group participants and reviewers are required to submit conflict of interest forms and are instructed on the importance of understanding their own biases. They are instructed to excuse themselves from discussions involving organizations for which they may have a conflict of interest.

How should the budget narrative describe personnel expenses?
There are numerous ways it could be displayed while fully answering the question. One way could be as follows:
$xx,xxx for salaries:
$x,xxx for Position A (xx% of their time or salary), who supports the proposal in this way (very briefly)
$x,xxx for Position B (xx% of their time or salary), who supports the proposal in this way (very briefly)
etc.
$xx,xxx for benefits, calculated at xx% of salaries, which includes the following benefits: ....

Note: This is the final update before proposals are due!

Questions 14 and 15 ask for up to five outputs and outcomes. Is there a minimum that we should include?
Follow the rubric - it does not specify a minimum number of outputs or outcomes. The questions will be scored on whether the outputs and outcomes are clear, detailed, and aligned with the identified needs and proposed services. To get a high score of 5, you also need to include a thoughtful way of measuring the outputs and outcomes. If you have the available space, including a few outputs and outcomes could increase the probability that you will include good examples. However, there is no minimum number of outputs or outcomes required to receive a perfect score.

FY25 Press Release

AHC, $92,812.50. Reduce the waitlists for educational programming for residents of AHC properties, including afterschool help with homework, literacy, recreation, and social and emotional learning; teen tutoring and mentorship; and college and career readiness support.

Arlington Free Clinic, $150,000. Full range of comprehensive healthcare services within AFC's patient-centered medical home, with particular emphasis on expanding Social Determinants of Health work to improve health equity, providing critical mental health care, and reducing barriers to low-cost and accessible care.

Arlington Neighborhood Village, $26,111.25. Support organizational capacity to provide financial aid, direct services, and social support to older adults in Arlington.

Arlington Thrive, $70,873.50. Support for the Community Resilience Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance, and Community Navigator Program, which provides bilingual case management for individuals in navigating community resources.

Apire! Afterschool Learning, $100,849. Daily afterschool programming and an all-day summer camp to support historically underserved students' literacy, math, and social-emotional learning, including expanding to two new classrooms in Drew and Randolph Elementary Schools.

AWLA, $185,735.60. Expanded Pet Resource Centers and related outreach, providing vaccination services, pet food, dewormer, flea and tick treatment, and spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners in underserved communities.

Challenging Racism, $43,500. Advance DEI capacity building through workshops and 1:1 mentoring for 32 individuals from 8 of Arlington's frontline human services nonprofit organizations.

Doorways for Women and Families, $44,868.23. Services for survivors of domestic violence, including assistance with navigating the legal system; safety planning; courtroom accompaniment, advocacy, and emotional support; language services; and referrals to relevant services.

Edu-Futuro, $225,000. Project LIFTS, which provides free, bilingual programming for families, including the Emerging Leaders Program for youth, Parent Empowerment Services, Workforce Development Services, and case management services.

Endependence Center of Northern Virginia, $100,000. Outreach services at four South Arlington locations for Arlingtonians with both disabilities and other identities that often face inequities. Services will include community navigation, advocacy and support groups, small direct client expenses, and a community peer mentorship program.

English Empowerment Center, $45,000. Supports basic literacy and beginning English language instruction for individuals who cannot read, write, speak, or understand English beyond the sixth-grade level.

ECDC, $150,000. Services for immigrants and refugees, including employment support, legal immigration assistance, and equitable healthcare advocacy.

Friends of Guest House, $56,163.96. Comprehensive reentry services for women following incarceration, including a 6-month residential program, case management and aftercare services, outreach, and peer support services.

Kitchen of Purpose, $125,000. Culinary and small business incubator training, job placement, and small business grants for low-income individuals seeking to pursue economically sustainable careers in the food industry.

L'Arche, $48,000. Support higher, more livable wages for assistants/caregivers who provide core services and homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reducing turnover and vacancy rates.

NVFS, $225,000. Healthy Families program, which will provide bilingual education and resources to 80 new and expectant parents through intensive and comprehensive home visits, promoting healthy childhood outcomes and reducing child abuse and neglect.

NovaSalud, $212,837. HIV program, reaching over 2,000 individuals who are living with or at risk for HIV with outreach, education, testing, linkage to care, and retention, targeting high-risk Latino, black/African American communities, MSM, transgender, substance user, teen, and incarcerated communities.

OAR, $38,775. Proactive work involving virtual learning cohort for 20 individuals on the impact of racism and legislative and individual advocacy; reactive work supporting over 800 people annually in a reentry program and providing financial assistance to 100 children of incarcerated parents.

Our Stomping Ground, $93,429.39. Assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently in inclusive, affordable housing by connecting individuals to housing options, providing life and social skills training, providing resource education, and coordinating inclusive community-building events.

Restoration Immigration Legal Aid, $123,788. Legal services for immigrants with complex pathways to legal status and limited resources, including 100 Special Immigrant Juvenile Status youth and 75 individuals seeking asylum.

Restorative Arlington, $74,760. Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program for 10 cases.

SEEC, $160,151.25. Employment services for up to 300-day laborers, such as job matching, translation and resume-building services, transportation, bagged lunches/snacks, and winter rental assistance.

FY 26 Press Release

1st Road South, $37,500. Scholarships for 30 students to attend 5 weeks of summer camp plus all out-of-school time activities during the school year.

AHC, $75,000. Targeted academic support, career readiness, and leadership development initiatives for 160 youth.

Arlington Free Clinic, $150,000. Comprehensive health care and integrated community resources to over 1,500 uninsured adults.

Arlington Neighborhood Village, $67,715. Support 535 older adults, particularly with lower incomes, with a variety of practical and social services.

Aspire! Afterschool Learning, $149,064. No-cost afterschool and summer learning programs for 150 3rd-8th grade students during the school year and 120 during summer.

Ayuda, $112,500. Comprehensive legal and case management supporting 60 low-income immigrants, including hosting 8 emotional support groups.

Center for Youth and Family Advocacy, $44,720. Support training for youth restorative justice services for staff and youth peer ambassadors; improve Spanish-speaking capacity for ambassador program.*

Challenging Racism, $109,654. DEIBA training and mentorship for 24 human services nonprofits.

Our Stomping Ground, $126,000. Creating inclusive communities for individuals with developmental disabilities through 288 health, wellness, and social events; 4 employment sessions; and 48 food distributions.

Dream Project, $27,500. Mentoring, scholarships, and holistic support for 28-35 immigrant students and families.

English Empowerment Center, $54,393. Education for 60 low-income residents to read, write, speak, or understand English.

Friends of Guest House, $50,000. Address health, housing, and employment needs of 75 women returning from incarceration.

Kitchen of Purpose, $75,000. Support up to 100 individuals in workforce development program and 720 individuals served family dinners.

L'Arche, $75,000. Housing and support for adults with intellectual disabilities, including housing for 8 core members, community programming for 540 adults with Developmental Disabilities, and increased salary for assistants ($12 to $20/hour).

Legal Aid Justice Center, $75,000. Legal representation, navigation, and education, including 2 legal clinics on a variety of legal issues, assistance for 60 households for immigration, and 6 Know Your Rights events.

Meals on Wheels of Arlington, $37,500. Prepared meals for 24 homebound clients for one year.

NVFS, $112,500. Healthy Families program to support 100 families of new parents and babies.

NovaSalud, $75,000. HIV and STD prevention for 720 individuals, 180 education sessions, and care services for approximately 150 individuals.

Read Early and Daily, $26,250. Supporting early literacy by providing culturally relevant book bags (2,000 books) to 400 families at the VHC Outpatient Clinic.

Restorative Arlington, $150,000. Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program to repair harm outside of the criminal legal system by starting 12 cases and hosting 12 community circles.

Rock Recovery, $30,000. BIPOC therapist for sliding scale eating disorder therapy for 175+ clients.

SEEC, $150,000. Job placement, employment services, and referrals for at least 325 immigrant day laborers.

*Some performance metrics updated based on funding level adjustments.

Salvation Army, $60,960. Direct emergency assistance for 150 low-income households; food distribution for 4,000 people; afterschool programs for 46 youth