Program Overview

The James River Arts & Cultural District (JRAC) Grant Program reinvests Amusement Tax revenues generated within the district to strengthen arts and culture as an economic driver, activate Downtown and Fifth Street, and enhance quality of place for residents and visitors. The program supports projects that contribute to Lynchburg’s cultural identity, increase visitation, and build long-term cultural assets within the district.

The program is administered by the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism and supports projects occurring within the JRAC district boundaries.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their application by email as a single PDF containing:

  • The completed grant application form
  • The City-provided Proposed Project Budget Worksheet
  • A brief budget narrative (1–2 paragraphs) explaining major cost categories and how JRAC funds will support the project
  • Any supporting materials relevant to the project

Applications should be emailed to:
Marjette Upshur
Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Marjette.upshur@lynchburgva.gov
Applications must be received by April 3, 2026.

Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, please confirm that your package includes:

☑️ Completed Grant Application Form
☑️ Proposed Project Budget Worksheet (City template)
☑️ Budget Narrative (1–2 paragraphs explaining project costs and funding sources)
☑️ Supporting documentation if needed (quotes, plans, etc.)
☑️ Submission as one PDF file

Arts & Cultural Activation Grants

Arts & Cultural Activation Grants support public-facing arts and cultural programming that activates Downtown and Fifth Street, increases visitation, and contributes to district vitality. These grants are intended to support projects that engage residents and visitors, encourage repeat visitation, and reinforce arts and culture as an economic sector within the district. Activation Grants are not intended to replace or supplement ongoing operational funding or routine programming.

ACOA outside

Kemper Street Mural

Cultural Infrastructure Grants

Cultural Infrastructure Grants support projects that create lasting cultural value for the community through either capital investment or transformational cultural experiences. Eligible projects may include physical improvements to cultural facilities, equipment or infrastructure that supports long-term cultural use, or rare, high-impact cultural programming that significantly enhances Lynchburg’s cultural assets and visitor experience. Recurring annual programming and standard operating activities are not eligible under this category.

Eligibility Summary

Projects must occur within the James River Arts & Cultural District boundaries. Applicants may submit one application per funding cycle and must comply with all program requirements outlined in the FY 2026 Program Guidelines. Cultural Infrastructure Grant applicants must meet the eligibility threshold related to Amusement Tax contribution within the district.

Please note: The FY26 application format differs from prior years and is no longer a fillable form.

Important Dates

Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not advance to review. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow time to resolve technical or eligibility questions. 

  • Applications Open: February 20th, 2026
  • Application Deadline: April 3rd, 2026 @ 5:00PM
  • Anticipated Award Notification: May 8th, 2026

Program Materials

Download the following materials to apply.

Supporting materials should be limited to documents necessary to explain the proposed project. Excessive supplementary materials may not be reviewed.

FY26 JRAC Program Guidelines

Download Program Guidelines

Arts & Cultural Activation Grant Application

Download Application

Cultural Infrastructure Grant Application

Download Application

Proposed Project Budget Worksheet

Download Worksheet

Contact

For questions regarding eligibility or project fit, please contact:

Marjette Upshur
Office of Economic Development and Tourism

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