Registration deadline: January 22, 2010
Application deadlines: February 17, 2010; April 12, 2010

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, managerial competence and public service.  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. 

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 registration deadline.   

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget.  Please use the Budget Notes section to explain income and expense items.  Required support materials are listed below. 

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Program Overview
What are your organization’s ongoing programs and/or services?  

2. Changes/Developments
What new programs and/or initiatives are planned for the next three years?  What are your goals in undertaking these activities and what are the expected outcomes?

3. Challenges
What are your key programmatic challenges, and how will you overcome them?

Managerial/Fiscal

4. Staff
What is your staffing structure?  Please indicate the principal positions.  Have there been any changes of key staff members?  If so, what has been the impact of those changes? 

5. Governance
What is the size and committee structure of your board?  How often do they meet?  How are board members recruited?  How reflective are they of your community?  Do board members have term limits?  Please describe the involvement of your board in management and program oversight.

6. Organizational Development
How do you actively engage board, staff and the public in organizational planning?

7. Finances 
How is the current financial landscape affecting your organization?  What are your plans for meeting current and future expenses?  How is your board involved in these efforts?

Service to the Public

8. Current Audience
Who are the audiences and/or communities served by your organization? 

9. Expanding your Audience
What are some opportunities for audience growth and diversification?  What steps are you taking to accomplish this? 

10. Membership
If you are a membership organization, how many members do you have?  What are your plans for increasing or sustaining your membership?

11. Online Resources
How do you use the Internet and social media to better serve the public?  Please include your url.

12. Assessment
How do you set programmatic goals?  How do you carry out the ongoing assessment of programs, services and/or other organizational initiatives? 

13. Context
What other organizations are providing similar or complementary services to your community, and are you working in partnership with them?

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 images on 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