RICHMOND, VA - Richmond is transitioning from City-managed "non-departmental" grants to a new model using expert grantmaking partners in four priority areas: economic mobility, children and families, arts and culture, and health, beginning with the FY27 budget. Nonprofits, including current grantees, will apply through these partners starting summer 2026, with grants awarded by early fall 2026. This approach, already piloted successfully through funds like the Health Equity Fund, aims to provide more hands-on support and expertise.

Under this new system, the City has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify organizations with demonstrated grant administration expertise to manage the competitive application process on the City's behalf. These partners will provide specialized knowledge, faster timelines, and structured support for applicants. The City will retain full oversight and budget authority, including establishing funding amounts for each priority area. Those allocations will then be competitively awarded by the selected grantmaking partners.

Key elements of the new model include:

• A shorter application-to-award timeline.
• Greater capacity for technical assistance.
• Clear performance metrics and regular reporting for accountability.
• Strong alignment with the 2025 Mayoral Action Plan.
• Expanded support modeled after similar successful initiatives, including the Health Equity Fund.

"This new structure keeps Richmond's priorities front and center while giving nonprofits the expert support they deserve," said, Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Office of Human Services. "It streamlines requirements, accelerates funding, and ensures organizations can focus more on serving residents and less on navigating the process."

Timeline for the FY27 grantmaking process:

• November 25, 2025: City releases Request for Funding Proposal (RFP) to select grantmaking partners
• March 2026: Mayor introduces proposed FY27 budget
• May 2026: City Council adopts the FY27 budget
• July-August 2026: Projected timeline for grantmaking partners to open applications
• September-October 2026: Projected timeline for grants awarded and fund disbursement.

Current FY26 grantees will continue receiving funds as scheduled and no gap in funding is anticipated during the transition. Additional information sessions for nonprofits will take place in spring 2026.

Learn more about the grantmaking process and access the RFP here.