Registration deadline: January 22, 2010
Application deadline: February 17, 2010

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 not 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.

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.  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. Required support materials are listed below.

First-time GOS applicants are strongly advised to consult with Program staff well before the January 22 registration deadline.

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Organizational Context
Briefly describe the background of your organization or context within which it was established.  Include the URL (address) for your web site.   

2. Program Overview
Briefly describe your programs and/or services, current, projected and ongoing for the coming year. Highlight new or expanded activities and intended audiences. List your proposed event schedule for the coming year. 

3. Changes and Developments
Describe significant programmatic changes since your last Council review. What new programs and/or initiatives are planned for the next three years?  What are your goals and anticipated outcomes in undertaking these activities?  

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

Managerial/Fiscal

5. 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?

6. 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. 

7. Organizational Development
How do you actively engage board, staff and the public in organizational planning?  What training or professional development opportunities are there for board and staff in your organization? 

8. 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?  What is your organizational plan for long term financial viability? Remember to include any financial notes in the Project Budget area. 

9. 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? 

Service to the Public

10. Current Audience
Who are the audiences and communities served by your organization? What are some opportunities for expanding audience growth and diversification?  What steps are you taking to accomplish this?

11. Membership
If you are a membership organization, how many members do you have, and how fully do they represent your audience and community?  What are some potential areas of growth?  What levels of membership and benefits do you offer?

12. Marketing
What strategies are used for expanding and diversifying audiences through the packaging, promotion and pricing of programs?  Please describe a recent success.

13. Online Resources
How do you use the Internet and social media to better serve the public?

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

15. Community Context
What other organizations provide similar or complementary arts services to the community and how do you work in partnership with them?  How are your programs serving media artists and the arts community?  How do your programs enhance public appreciation for film and technology as an art form? 

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. 

3. Provide CDs, DVDs or reference a website for viewing sample work.  Provide one or two cued work samples totaling no more than 10 minutes. Each sample should be on a separate CD or DVD or single web address. See NYSCA Digital Media/Work Samples Technical Instructions for tips on providing support materials on CDs or DVDs.

4. Provide work samples in cases where training or workshops (up to 10 minutes) or publications (one copy) are a principal activity.

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

Note: Work samples are a critical component of the review process in this Program.