Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadlines: April 1, July 1

General Operating Support (GOS) provides unrestricted support for ongoing institutional operating activities of organizations whose central mission is to provide public programs and/or services in the various design, planning, and historic preservation fields. GOS is designed to support organizations that demonstrate a consistent track record of artistic achievement, public service, and managerial competence. The Council examines the nature, scope, and quality of an organization's programs and activities when considering the provision and level of GOS support. GOS support reflects NYSCA's recognition of the artistic and organizational capabilities of qualified arts and cultural organizations.

GOS grants will be no less than $5,000, and will rarely exceed 25% of an organization's budget. GOS support is awarded on a multi-year basis.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for GOS, the organization must meet each of the following conditions.

A central mission which is to provide programs and/or services in the architecture, planning, design, and/or historic preservation fields  

At least three consecutive years of previous NYSCA funding from the Architecture, Planning and Design Program

Paid staff

Eligibility for Other NYSCA Funds

Organizations receiving General Operating Support from the Architecture, Planning and Design Program are not eligible for other support in the Program, with the exception of Independent Projects and/or Services to the Field. Additional funds may be requested from other NYSCA Programs. Please be reminded of the Council's four-request limit.

Application Instructions

Organizations interested in applying for General Operating Support are strongly advised to consult with Program staff well in advance of the March registration deadline.  

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the programs and/or services planned for the coming year, highlighting new or expanded activities and intended audiences. Also, outline plans for the following year(s) of this multi-year application.

2. Changes/Developments
Describe any significant changes or developments in the organization since last reviewed by the Program.

3. Finances
Describe plans, projects and activities for meeting current and future expenses. Describe ways in which the Board is involved with this work.

4. Organizational Development
Describe the role of the Board and staff in the development and the ongoing assessment of programs and services. How are programs and other institutional initiatives evaluated and assessed?

5. Audience
In what ways does programming support the audience's deepening awareness and understanding of the various design and planning fields? Provide an overview of the educational and interpretive programming of your organization, and summarize strategies for diversifying audiences through packaging, marketing, and pricing of programs.

6. Membership
If your organization has members, how many? What are your plans for increasing or sustaining your membership?

7. Facilities
Briefly describe your organization's facilities as they relate to programming and services.  

8. Context
What other organizations are providing similar or complementary arts services to your community? And, are you working in partnership with any of these or other organizations?

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

1. Resumé of the Executive Director and/or other key staff if there has been a change in these positions since last being reviewed by the Council. (hard copy)

2. Up to 15 slides or a CD-ROM with a brief script illustrating the programs and/or services of the organization. (Powerpoint preferred)

3. Copies of newsletters, membership brochures, or other promotional materials.

4. Long-range plan or strategic plan