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

General Operating Support (GOS) is unrestricted support for ongoing institutional operating activities of museums that own and care for a collection, or for museum service organizations. GOS is designed to support organizations that demonstrate a consistent record of institutional 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 in the museum field

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

Paid staff

A long-range plan

Eligibility for Other NYSCA Funds

Organizations receiving General Operating Support from the Museum Program may not apply for additional support within the Program, except in the category of Services to the Field, where appropriate. 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 March 1 registration deadline.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Changes/Developments
Please highlight key activities over the past several years. Describe any significant administrative, mission or vision changes in the organization since it was last reviewed for General Operating Support.

2. Program Overview
What are the major plans for the next few years, in relation to exhibitions, education and collections? How do these activities relate to the long-range plan? How will the public benefit from these activities?

3. Facilities/Collections
Please provide an overview of the range of your collections, and the collection's local, regional, and or national significance. Please describe collections storage and exhibition spaces. (Historic sites should discuss furnished rooms; service organizations should discuss facilities where programs are held.)

4. Audience
Define the organization's audience(s). What methods are used to reach and engage the audience in the development of programs and services? In what ways do you strive to reach underserved audiences?

5. Membership
Provide membership figures for the past two years and describe plans for increasing membership.  

6. Context
Describe any other organizations that provide similar or complementary arts services to the community. How do you work in partnership with these or other organizations?

7. Finances
What are the plans for meeting current and future expenses? Summarize the organization's fundraising plans (including any planned capital campaigns). How is your board involved in this work?

8. 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? What are the plans for staff retention and development?

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. Resumés of any new key personnel. First-time applicants to this category should provide resumés (1-2 pages maximum) of all key personnel

2. A list of exhibitions proposed for the next three years

3. Up to 10 images or website references, representing recent exhibitions and programming. Be sure to identify the images. Powerpoint is preferred, but not required.

4. Copy of the long-range plan or strategic plan