Call for Applications: VRA Project Grant

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) offers the VRA Project Grant to support projects in the field of visual resources and image management. The grant provides up to $4,000 per project, which must be completed within one year after formal acceptance. The 2026–2027 application deadline is 30 October 2026 (deadline time and time zone not specified in the source). Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Visual Resources Association (VRA)

- Opportunity name: VRA Project Grant

- Funding amount: Up to $4,000 per project

- Award disbursement: $2,000 at the start of the granting period; $2,000 pending submission of a mid-project progress report

- Project duration: Must be completed within one year from the time the grant is formally accepted

- Eligible applicants: People and institutions working in visual resources and image management (see eligibility details below)

- Eligible locations: United States-based applicants; international applications welcome if the institution has equivalent US non-profit status and individuals have a similar non-profit, educational purpose

- Application deadline: 30 October 2026

- Application method: Email a single combined PDF to [contact details removed] with the subject line “2026-2027 VRA Project Grant Application”

- Membership required?: No (VRA membership not required)

About the Opportunity

The VRA Project Grant supports projects and pilots that advance work in visual resources and image management. Projects may be stand-alone efforts, pilots, start-up financing for larger projects, or components within larger initiatives. Collaborative projects are encouraged, including proposals from groups whether or not they are affiliated with an organization or institution. VRA also highlights interest in innovative projects with outcomes that can have broad impact and be shared with the global community. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum award: Up to $4,000

- Payment schedule:

- $2,000 at the start of the granting period - $2,000 after submission of a mid-project progress report

- Cost restrictions:

- Indirect costs are not covered. - Grants generally do not fund the purchase of office and other/related equipment (materials may be funded; see below).

- Eligible uses (as stated):

- Salaries and labor costs - Transportation costs - Cost of materials (with the note that office/related equipment purchases are generally not funded) - Other appropriate expenses as approved by VRA - Reporting requirements (linked to payment and compliance): - A final report including a financial statement is due within one month of project completion - Failure to complete the proposed project may require the grantee to return the funds - Project administration and compliance expectations (as stated): - The project activities must be administered under the supervision of the applicant - Funds must be spent solely for the described project - No project changes without consulting VRA - In publicity/press releases/programs, the grant must be credited to VRA - Compliance required with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and applicable local laws Who Is Eligible? Applicants should be in the field of visual resources and image management. Eligible applicants may include: - Retirees - People currently unemployed - Students

Key eligibility rules and conditions:

- VRA membership is not required. - Former recipients of the Project Grant are not eligible for two years following their most recent award. - Other applications for funding for the same project must be disclosed. - United States non-profit / legal parameters: - VRA has United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. - All elements of the proposed project must be performed within the legal parameters of US local, regional, and federal government requirements.

- International applicants:

- International applications are welcome from institutions or individuals provided: - Applicant institutions have the equivalent of US non-profit status - Applicant individuals have a similar non-profit, educational purpose Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The VRA Project Grant supports projects in visual resources and image management. Categories to be considered include (but are not limited to): - Metadata for Visual Media - Visual Media Cataloguing Standards - Visual Media Data Standards - Digitization Projects of Special or Unique Collections (Educational Institutions, Libraries, Museums) - Visual Literacy - Technology Development for Visual Media Management and Pedagogy - Intellectual Property Rights Why This Opportunity Matters The VRA Project Grant is designed for practitioners and project teams working on practical advances in visual media documentation, standards, digitization, and related access or management challenges. By supporting pilots, start-up work, and components of larger projects, the grant can help teams move from early planning into funded implementation with structured reporting and mid-project review. The emphasis on measurable outcomes and shareable results also aligns with needs common to libraries, museums, educational institutions, and other visual resources stakeholders. How to Apply Follow the VRA’s application instructions closely—incomplete applications will not be considered. - Prepare your application materials in the order listed by VRA and combine your application materials into a single PDF file (spreadsheets may be submitted as separate files if needed). - Provide Primary Contact Information, including: - First and last name - Mailing address - Email address - Phone number - Submit your Project Proposal, including: - A brief description of the project - If ongoing or built upon preliminary work: a summary of what has been accomplished to date - Project objectives and what needs(s) it meets - Measurable outcomes - Process and timeline to complete the project - How the project supports VRA’s mission - Submit Project Participant In