The Town of Herndon’s Community Donation Program provides financial support to qualified community nonprofits that deliver programs, events, and services for Herndon residents and that align with Town strategic priorities. Awards are discretionary and depend on available funding and staff capacity.

• Community based programs, services, educational initiatives, and events that advance the Town’s strategic plan and reinforce the Town’s “Live Differently” brand.
• Offsets for the use of Town facilities and Town provided services when requested and approved in the application budget. The Town does not waive facility fees or donate Town services under this program.

• 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organizations in good legal standing, based in Virginia with an address of record on file with the State Corporation Commission, established for at least two years, and serving Town of Herndon residents. Individuals and businesses are not eligible. The Town does not promote or advocate political or religious events.

1. Confirm eligibility

Ensure your organization meets the eligibility requirements above and that your proposed activity benefits Town of Herndon residents. If your request involves events on Town property or use of Town facilities or services, plan for cost recovery and note that separate Special Event requirements may apply.

2. Prepare required materials

• A clear description of the event, program, or service.
• An itemized project budget that includes the full cost of any requested Town facilities and Town provided services. Applications without a complete budget may be deemed incomplete.
• A description of the anticipated outcomes or impact for Herndon residents. 

3. Submit your application during the open application period

Applications may be submitted online at this link. For FY 2027, the application period runs through May 8, 2026. Applications received outside the window will not be considered for this cycle.

4. What happens next

A committee reviews and scores applications using a Council approved evaluation matrix. The estimated notification date for applicants is July 15, 2026.

Applications are scored using a Council-approved matrix that considers community benefit, alignment with Town strategic priorities and brand, financial soundness and sustainability, organizational capacity, community reach and impact, and economic impact. Weights total 100 percent across these categories.

Awardees sign an agreement, use funds as approved, and submit a summary report within 60 days of completion that includes attendance or participation, outcomes, and a financial summary. If funds are not used as approved or the initiative does not proceed, the Town Manager may require repayment and may determine future ineligibility.

• One application per organization each fiscal year. You may include multiple programs or events in a single application.
• Applicants should review the Town’s Special Events Guidelines and permit process to ensure compliance if the proposed event will be held on Town property.
• The maximum award is $50,000 dollars per organization per fiscal year. Awards will not exceed 75 percent of the organization’s most recently completed annual revenue, including any Town facility or service costs covered by the award.
• A portion of annual funds is reserved for requests of $2,500 dollars or less to promote equitable access. The Town Manager may reallocate between ranges if needed.
• De minimis donations under $250 dollars may be requested year round through the Town Manager and are subject to funding availability.
• The complete Town of Herndon Community Donation Program Policy Statement is available online here. 
• For more information about the Town of Herndon’s Community Donation Program, please visit our CDP FAQ page or email information@herndon-va.gov.