Symphony, arts groups and local nonprofits ask council for bigger grants and restored support

Several cultural institutions and human-services nonprofits used the April 11 public hearing to ask the City Council for increased or restored funding.

Tim Falkner, chairman of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, said more than a third of the orchestra's concerts are played at the Ferguson Center and asked the council to raise the city's contribution above the $10,000 provided in 2023. Scott Jackson of the Virginia Arts Festival said municipal support had fallen from $100,000 in 2009 to $15,000 and urged restoration to support student outreach and performances.

Local nonprofits seeking Community Support Agency grant funding also addressed the council. Josh David of the Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Roads thanked the council for a recommended $25,000 grant to support affordable housing work in Newport News. Linda Laru, vice president of Almost There charity, said her group was denied a Community Support Agency Grant and requested reconsideration to expand housing and a proposed downtown resource center at 2110 Jefferson Avenue.

Jason Young, executive director of Community Brain Injury Services, thanked the council for continued funding for the Demby House clubhouse and provided service statistics, noting a rising caseload and local demand.

Council did not make immediate funding decisions at the hearing; council members said they would consider public comments alongside budget deliberations.