VACAP Legislative Conference Wrap-Up

Earlier this month, more than 125 attendees joined us in Richmond, Virginia for our annual Legislative Conference. This year's conference featured an Energy and Weatherization Symposium, Whole Family Approach trainings, key sessions on CSBG and Housing, and updates on issues impacting Community Action. On the last day of the conference, Community Action advocates showed their enthusiasm and support for our 2026 legislative priorities in several visits with the General Assembly and their staffs.

Community Action was recognized in the Virginia Senate for our transformational and innovative work in the Commonwealth.

Legislative conference attendees are welcome to share their thoughts by completing the survey linked below by February 28.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fSH4xvs2SJs?si=mDAcpe-rhM-WBuBs&t=2193

Legislative Conference Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/3Pd3xWeedh

Important DOE Update: FY26 Financial Assistance Letter Rescinded

On January 27, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) rescinded its June 2025 Financial Assistance Letter (FAL) and three related policy flashes on indirect cost and fringe benefit reimbursement limitations for FY2026. The recently enacted FY26 DOE funding law requires DOE to continue applying negotiated indirect cost rates consistent with FY2024 practice, effectively prohibiting the indirect cost rate changes proposed across all three policy flashes and reflected in the FAL.

In Virginia, DHCD has already removed the rescinded indirect cost rate changes from its contracts.

Learn more here: https://www.energy.gov/management/pf-2025-26-adjusting-department-energy-financial-assistance-policy-nonprofit

University Announces "Emory & Henry Promise" Tuition Program for Financially Eligible Virginia Residents

Emory & Henry University has announced the launch of a new program that will cover the cost of tuition for Virginia students who meet financial eligibility criteria. Under the program, new students who are Virginia residents with a household adjusted gross income below $85,000 and a Student Aid Index of 3,000 on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid will receive federal, state, and University gift aid that will completely cover the cost of tuition.

Learn more here: https://www.emoryhenry.edu/live/news/emory-henry-promise

Applications Open for AARP Community Challenge Grants

The 2026 AARP Community Challenge is now accepting applications for its grant program, which funds local projects that make communities more livable and welcoming, especially for people ages 50 and older. AARP is investing more than $8 million this year in community improvements. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding ranging up to $25,000 across three grant options. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2026 with projects expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2026/2026-challenge.html