The RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant, administered by Arlington County Government in collaboration with United Way of the National Capital Area, is a competitive funding opportunity designed to support Arlington-based nonprofit organizations. The grant emerged from Arlington's racial equity efforts and seeks to rebuild trust between local government and community members by promoting transparency, accountability, and community-centered approaches. Established in October 2021 as part of the Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity (R.A.C.E.) initiative, the grant focuses on eliminating systemic disparities that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

The grant’s primary purpose is to provide financial support for nonprofit programs or projects that directly respond to community-identified human service needs, as well as general operational support to help organizations more effectively serve historically marginalized populations. The objectives of the grant align with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) framework and include normalizing racial equity conversations, co-developing a transparent funding process with community input, assessing long-term systemic impacts, and establishing a system of structured accountability and reporting.

For FY 2026, Arlington County has allocated a minimum of $1.5 million to the grant, with potential for additional funding from FY24 closeout funds. Organizations with annual operating budgets of $250,000 or more may request up to $150,000, while those with budgets under $250,000 may request up to $75,000. The application consists of a written component and an oral presentation. The written application is submitted online and addresses organizational details, community needs, program design, evaluation methods, and budget plans. Oral presentations, conducted virtually, allow applicants to elaborate on their proposals before a panel of community reviewers.

Applications are evaluated through a two-phase review process: staff reviewers assess the written applications, while community members review the oral presentations. Each component accounts for 50% of the final score. Evaluation criteria include the clarity and relevance of community needs and services, racial equity integration, budget appropriateness, and impact evaluation plans. Reviewers score proposals using detailed rubrics and consensus discussions help finalize funding recommendations.

The timeline for the FY 2026 cycle began with a grant announcement on September 23, 2024, followed by a series of technical assistance sessions throughout October and early December. Applications were due by December 13, 2024, and oral presentations were held between January 14 and February 4, 2025. The County Board is scheduled to make funding decisions in March 2025, with the grant period running from July 2025 through June 2026. Feedback on applications will be available in April and May 2025.