EDA Sets New Grant Guidelines

FIRSTfriday of Falls Church was awarded a $6,000 grant from the City of F.C.’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support publicity and marketing efforts of its monthly, year-round event that draws people to the commercial core of the City. The grant, awarded May 4, includes the incorporation of The Little City brand logotype into FIRSTfriday’s expanded marketing materials and announcements.

EDA Sets New Grant Guidelines

FIRSTfriday of Falls Church was awarded a $6,000 grant from the City of F.C.’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support publicity and marketing efforts of its monthly, year-round event that draws people to the commercial core of the City. The grant, awarded May 4, includes the incorporation of The Little City brand logotype into FIRSTfriday’s expanded marketing materials and announcements.

Also on the May 4 meeting, the F.C. EDA Board of Directors approved a new policy for the award of grants for non-profit organizations and events. It will announce a total amount of funds available for grants, accept applications and make awards once a year, instead of making multiple awards throughout the year.

In a press release, EDA Chairman David Tarter said the FIRSTfriday grant “will enable [the event] to attract even more visitors to our City and its many small businesses.”

Since 2001, FIRSTfriday has featured free arts and cultural activities, both indoors and outdoors.  The event is staffed entirely by volunteers, including Tom Gittins, owner of Art and Frame of Falls Church, who presented the grant request to the EDA.

Applications for organizations and events seeking funding between November 2010 and October 2011 should be submitted to the F.C. EDA by Aug. 31. For an application form and more information about the EDA grant process, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/Content.Docs/GrantGuidelines.