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

General Operating Support (GOS) is unrestricted support for ongoing institutional operating activities of organizations whose central mission is to provide public programs and/or services in Dance. 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, based on the income and expense statement for the organization's most recently completed fiscal year. 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.

Primary focus is dance

At least three consecutive years of previous support from the Dance Program

Paid staff  

Significant services or activity in New York State (defined by the Dance Program as a home season of at least 7 performances within the last three years).

Eligibility for other NYSCA funds

Organizations receiving GOS from the Dance Program may also apply for support in the Long Term Residencies in New York State, Commissions, Rehearsal Space, and Services to the Field categories. Additional funds may be requested from other Programs of the Council. Please be reminded of the four-request limit.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Please complete the Events Schedule form as part of this request, if appropriate. Required support materials are listed below.

First-time GOS applicants are strongly advised to consult with the Dance Program staff well before the March registration deadline.

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, and noting any change in artistic philosophy or in the level of your continuing services. If applicable, include information on your next home season (number of performances, performance dates, and theater), highlighting any significant repertory additions (premieres and major revivals). Also, outline plans for the following year(s) of this multi-year application.

2. Changes/Developments
Describe any significant changes or developments in your organization since the Program last reviewed it. If appropriate, provide information on your last home season, including significant repertory additions, and on any other Program-funded projects.

3. Artistic Salaries
If appropriate, provide the following information: the number of company dancers, rehearsal/performance salary structure, and the number of workweeks in the current year and request year.   Give salaries by whichever system is employed (rehearsal hour, performance week, per performance, project fee basis, etc.)

4. Finances
Describe plans, projects and activities for meeting current and future expenses. Report reasons for any significant changes in the organization's financial situation, and e-xplain any large accumulated surplus or deficit.

5. 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?

6. Audience
Provide an overview of the educational and interpretive programming of your organization. Describe strategies for diversifying audiences.

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? Are you working in partnership with any of these or other organizations?

Support Materials

Support materials 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. Season brochure and performance program (2 copies)

2. Resumés of any new key personnel

3. (Optional) Copy of long-range plan or strategic plan