The Arts Council of Fairfax and has a program called the Strauss Fellowship which is open to Fairfax county artists.  It's a grant of between $1000-5000 and it's very unrestrictive as to what it's used for to promote one's art (can include purchase of equipment, travel to workshops, as well as mounting exhibitions).  They don't get enough photographers applying and would welcome them.. The deadline for proposal submission is January 19, 2011.  You can download an application and guidelines from www.artsfairfax.org ...the grants coordinator is Lisa Mariam and her email is LMariam@nospam!#*&^#)type address - don't copy spam protection(*@.@nospamartsfairfax.org and her phone number is 703-642-0862 X2. She would be happy to answer questions. Please mention that you heard about this through Lucia Effros.