The Business Consortium for Arts Support does just what its name implies. Through annual grants it helps arts and cultural groups meet the costs of running their organizations. Founded in 1987, the nonprofit Consortium has awarded more than $14.9 million in grants to organizations that regularly perform or exhibit in the south Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

The Consortium recognizes that the vitality and growth of local arts and cultural institutions are essential to healthy development of the community and its quality of life. The Consortium is committed to strengthening annual operating support for these arts organizations. It also seeks to broaden the base of business contributions to cultural groups. The Consortium provides improved coordination, evaluation and accountability for businesses that give to established and emerging arts and cultural programs.

Grant recipients in 2008 include large organizations such as Virginia Opera, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Symphony and The Chrysler Museum. But they also include smaller, specialized groups such as Bay Youth Orchestras, which features young musicians from throughout Hampton Roads, and the Tidewater Classical Guitar Society, which presents classical and flamenco guitar performances.

Funds for the grants are provided by area businesses and foundations that contribute to the Consortium. Every dollar of their contribution goes to arts and cultural groups since all overhead for the Consortium is paid by The Norfolk Foundation.