Prior to grant application deadlines, the Arts Council offers free grant writing workshops to applicants. All applicants, particularly first time applicants, are strongly encouraged to attend. Each workshop will cover the grants process and about tips to improve your application and lasts approximately one hour, possibly longer with questions. All workshops will be held at the Arts Council's offices at 4022 Hummer Road in Annandale, VA.

There are many resources available in the Washington, DC area for grant writers. The Foundation Center offers philanthropic information and development training, and many of its Washington, DC based workshops are free, and/or address specialized topics.

Another local, free resource is the Fairfax County Public Library's Grants and Funding Research Center, which is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center. Its mission is to help grant seekers, including nonprofit organizations, find funding. They also offer educational workshops, including instruction on the basics of grant-seeking.