We have an important update about changes to the City's grantmaking process and what it could mean for you. The administration plans to shift from the traditional City-managed "non-departmental" grant process to a process managed by external grantmaking partners, beginning with the FY27 budget. This means we are not releasing a Request for Applications (RFA) this October as we have in past years. 

Instead, we intend to competitively identify one or more expert grantmaking partners to manage application processes in specific priority areas. Funds would be allocated to these areas in the mayor's proposed FY27 budget. If Council adopts this approach in May 2026, the city would finalize agreements with grantmaking partners, who would launch and mange application processes by summer 2026. We believe this model can improve outcomes and provide grantees with more support. This approach has shown promise—the Health Equity Fund, Positive Youth Development Fund, and Early Childhood Care and Education Trust Fund have successfully piloted this grantmaking partner-led model, offering grantees greater support, an equitable and shorter process, and measurable outcomes. As currently drafted, there would be four separate grant opportunities: Economic Mobility, Children and Families, Arts and Culture, and Health. 

This is a significant change, and we want to get it right. We are working out the details and engaging Council to gather feedback, which means some details may evolve through the budget process. We will provide an update to City Council at the October 6th Organizational Development Committee meeting. 

What does this mean for you? Nonprofits, including current grantees, will be eligible to apply through the partner-led process. Our hope is that you'll find it both familiar and more supportive, as we intend to identify grantmaking partners with subject matter expertise who can provide hands-on guidance. 

We anticipate hosting two meetings with nonprofits in late October and November to share more details and gather additional feedback. We will be in touch with those details as they become available. If you and would like updates on the process, please email hsnond@rva.gov. 

We know this represents a significant shift, and we're committed to keeping you informed as plans develop. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth, transparent, and equitable as possible.

Thank you for the critical work you do every day for Richmond. We look forward to continuing to support you and building a stronger, more effective grantmaking process together.

 Non-Departmental October 11 Information Session Non Departmental Grants Session - YouTube

• Non-Departmental October 11 Information Session PDF

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• FY25 Non-Departmental Application
• FY25 Non-Departmental Application Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Guidelines
• FY25 Non-Departmental Guidelines Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Addendum
• FY25 Non-Departmental Addendum Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Budget Template
• FY25 Non-Departmental Application - Spanish
• FY25 Non-Departmental Application - Spanish- Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Guidelines - Spanish
• FY25 Non-Departmental Guidelines - Spanish - Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Addendum - Spanish
• FY25 Non-Departmental Addendum - Spanish Word Version
• FY25 Non-Departmental Budget Template - Spanish

All proposals and applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, December 1, 2023.  Late submissions will not be accepted.

An informational session will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 4:00 PM.  A technical assistance session will be held on Wednesday, October 25th at 4:00 PM. Both sessions will be held in person at the Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St.

All Project/Program funding requests must be submitted on the FY25 Application or Addendum forms. Applicants should submit all documents electronically to the City of Richmond using email.  Email submissions can be sent to: BudgetNDRequests@rva.gov.

If you are unable to electronically submit your Application or Addendum, there will be a drop box available on the 1st floor of City Hall at 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219 from November 27th to December 1st, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Please approach the security office on the 1st floor and they will instruct you.

Please direct all questions to BudgetNDRequests@rva.gov. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to its programs. Virginia Relay Center - TDD users dial 711.

FY25 Non-Departmental Timeline