GO Virginia Region 6 Grant Application

Step 1: Brainstorm Ideas

The Mary Ball Washington Regional Council (MBWRC) is seeking applications for GO Virginia project funding. All ideas are welcome.

Think about the following when determining if your project fits:

  • Align with Region 6’s priority industry clusters?
    • Aquaculture / Seafood / Commercial Fishing / Marine Industries
    • Forestry / Wood Products / Paper
    • Manufacturing
    • Logistics / Distribution
    • Information / Data Centers
    • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
  • Align with Statewide Project Themes?
    • Entrepreneurial Activities
    • Regional Site Development
    • Workforce Development
  • Does the project create higher paying jobs?
  • Does the project have collaboration from two or more localities?
  • What is the budget for your idea?
  • What kind of return on investment would your project expect to see?

Proposed projects should benefit an industry or region as a whole, rather than a single business entity. Check out our What is a GO Virginia Project Fact Sheet to see if your idea meets our basic guidelines.

We suggest that all applicants consider have a pre-screening call with a member of our staff to ensure the project fits within the grant perimeters prior to completing an Initial Project Review Form.

Step 2: Choose What Type of Grant

Enhanced Capacity Building

$100,000 maximum, match must be at least equal to 50% of the GO Virginia request (EX: GO Virginia Request $100,000; Match $50,000), no local match requirement 

These projects are Planning Grants i.e. Feasibility Studies, Pre-Development Activities, Plans, and Capacity Building Activities

Implementation

No maximum on ask, match must be at least equal to 50% of the GO Virginia request (EX: GO Virginia Request $100,000; Match $50,000), no local match requirement

Statewide Competitive Projects

These projects are multi-regional and are accessed at the regional and state level. These projects are not funded at a regional level, but from a separate state fund.

STOP: Key Project Requirements​​

GO Virginia DOES FUND

  • Entrepreneurial Activities
  • Regional Site Development
  • Workforce Development

GO Virginia DOES NOT FUND

  • Healthcare or quality of life projects (exception: Economic Resilience and Recovery Projects and projects that can demonstrate that they will generate out-of-state revenue, such as a center of excellence or specialized/innovative model)
  • Incentives to private companies
  • Scholarships
  • Transportation projects (unless associated with site development)
  • Implementation of broadband (on hold pending statewide strategy)

More Higher Paying Jobs
Projects must create “high-paying jobs”, defined as above the average wage ($21.18hr/$44,058) of the GO Virginia Region and/or project service area.

Collaboration
Projects must have at least two participating localities, political subdivisions, or public bodies corporate and politic. “Participation” can include financial participation, in-kind contribution, participation on a project advisory team, and/or administration of the project.

Out of State Revenue
Projects must align with at least one of the six priority clusters identified in the Region 6 Economic Growth & Diversification Plan; these clusters primarily generate revenue from outside the region/state.

Step 3: How to Apply

GO Virginia Grant Guidelines and Rules

Please read below the GO Virginia Grant Guidelines and Rules before applying for any GO Virginia grant. These guidelines and rules apply to all grants. If you have questions, please email Ian Ginger at ginger@gwregion.org.

GO Virginia Grant Guidelines and Rules

Includes information about:

  • Applicant Eligibility
  • Project Types
  • Project Requirements
  • Match Requirements
  • Project Timeline
  • Performance Metrics
  • Sustainability
  • Application Process

Schedule a Project Call with Staff

This is an optional call to discuss your idea with staff. If you would like to discuss your idea, please email Ian Ginger at ginger@gwregion.org to schedule a call.

Apply

FULL FY21 PROJECT APPLICATION PACKET: PDF | WORD