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 the media arts. 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, an organization must meet each of the following conditions.

Primary focus is film or the media arts

At least three consecutive years of previous NYSCA funding support from the Electronic Media and Film Program

Paid staff  

Non-arts and non-cultural organizations are not eligible for GOS funding and are referred to the General Program Support funding category.

Eligibility for Other NYSCA Funds

Organizations receiving General Operating Support from the Electronic Media and Film Program are not eligible for additional support in the Program with the exception of Services to the Field. Additional funds may be requested from other discipline programs of the Council. Please be reminded of the Council's four-request limit.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Complete Events Schedule form and Workshops/Classes fork, where relevant. Required support materials are listed below.

First-time GOS applicants are strongly advised to consult with Program staff well before the March 1 registration deadline.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the programs and/or services both current and projected 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 and Developments
Describe any significant changes or developments in your organization since last reviewed by the Council.

3. Finances
Describe the 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? Has evaluation led to any changes?

5. Audience
How does programming support audience understanding of the media arts? Provide an overview of the educational and interpretive programming of the organization. Summarize strategies for diversifying audiences through packaging, marketing and pricing of programs.

6. Facilities
Briefly describe your organization's facilities as they relate to programming and services. What is your maintenance plan and schedule for technology-based programs and operations? What is your plan for technology upgrades?

7. Context
What other organizations are providing similar or complementary arts services to the community? 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. Representative samples of program brochures and promotional flyers (2 copies per item)

2. Resumés of any new key personnel

3. Work samples in cases where training or workshops (up to 10 minutes) or publications (2 copies) are a principal activity

4. (optional) One copy of the long-range or strategic plan