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

The purpose of General Program Support is to offer unrestricted support for specific ongoing musical programming. GPS is designed to support qualifying organizations with a consistent track record of artistic achievement, public service, and managerial competence in their programming efforts. GPS support reflects NYSCA's recognition of the artistic and programmatic capabilities of qualified arts and cultural organizations. GPS is awarded on a multi-year basis.

This category is intended to serve

Arts and cultural organizations that have significant activities in this Program and receive GOS from another Program. Example: a museum that produces an established musical performance program

Organizations that are not primarily arts or cultural organizations but have significant cultural programming. Example: a private college that produces an ongoing musical performance series available to the general public  

Organizations that would otherwise make two or more applications in this Program for support of ongoing activity. Example: a literary center that produces a jazz performance season as well numerous publications and resources related to jazz

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for GPS, an organization must meet all of the following conditions.

Significant ongoing music programming

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

Administrative or professional staff in place to satisfactorily implement those specific programmatic activities

Eligibility for Other NYSCA Funds

Additional requests to the Music Program beyond General Program Support may be made in the Services to the Field category. 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.

Organizations interested in GPS are strongly advised to consult with Program staff 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. If your music activity is one of several program areas within the organization, how are organizational resources allocated?

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? Multi-service/multi-arts organizations should describe any internal cross programming.

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, pleaseprovide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

2. Resumés of any new key personnel

3. 3 CDs (performing ensembles)