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

General Operating Support (GOS) is unrestricted support for ongoing institutional operating activities where the creation, production, performance, and/or preservation of musical events or provision of services to the musical field are the central mission of the organization. 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, an organization must meet each of the following conditions.

Primary artistic focus is music

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

Paid staff

Eligibility for Other NYSCA Funds

Additional requests to the Music Program beyond General Operating Support may be made in the Radio Production and Broadcast, Recording, and Services to the Field categories. Applicants are strongly advised to consult with Program staff before making such requests. Additional funds may be requested from other Council Programs. 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 the Events Schedule form or the Workshops/Classes form, if applicable. Required support materials are listed below.

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

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe your music programs and/or services planned for the coming year, highlighting new or expanded activities and intended audiences. How does your music programming relate to your organization's overall mission?

2. Changes/Developments
Describe any significant changes or developments in your organization since last reviewed by the Council.

3. Finances
Describe your organization's fundraising strategy and any plans, projects and activities for meeting current and future expenses. Describe ways in which the Board and senior staff is involved with this work.

4. Artists Fees
What are the average fees paid artists for rehearsals, performances and, if applicable, travel, and per diem?

5. Audience/Marketing
Briefly describe the demographics of your audience, highlighting any significant changes you have experienced. Describe any marketing efforts used for achieving a broader audience base.  

6. Facilities
Briefly describe your organization's facilities as they relate to proposed   music programming and services. What is the average audience size (% of capacity) per performance?

7. Context
Are there other organizations providing similar or complementary arts services to your community? If so, are you working in partnership with any of them?

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?

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

2. Resumés of any new key personnel

3. 3 CDs (performing ensembles)