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 cultural programs within and for communities of color and other ethnic traditions. 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 for Other NYSCA Funds

Requests to the Special Arts Services Program beyond General Operating Support may be made in the Services to the Field category. Additional funds may be requested from other discipline programs of the Council. Please be reminded of the Council's four-request limit.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Majority of ongoing activities address the focus of the Program

At least three consecutive years of previous support from the Program

Paid staff who maintain regular office hours

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Please complete the Events Schedule and/or Workshops/classes forms as appropriate. Required support materials are listed below.

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

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the activities planned for the proposed year, highlighting new or expanded activities and intended audiences. Outline general plans for the year following of this multi-year application.

2. Community
What is the significance of the proposed activities in relation to your organization's mission and the community of color or specific ethnic population served?

3. Staff
List the key artistic and administrative staff, their qualifications, and tenure with the organization.

4. Changes and Developments
Describe any significant changes or developments in the organization since it was last reviewed.

5. 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?

6. Finances
Describe plans for meeting current and future expenses and how the Board is involved with financial planning.

7. Facilities
Briefly describe your facilities as they relate to programming and services. Are there any plans to relocate or renovate the facility in the future? If so, describe the expected effect on your activities.

8. Context
What other organizations are providing similar or complementary arts services to your community?   And, describe any partnerships with these or other organizations?

Support Materials

Support materials 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 flyers, performance programs, catalogues, etc. that document past, current, and, if available, proposed activities

2. Brief resumés of key personnel, if new

3. For applicants with an exhibition component: 10 slides or CD-ROM of the work to be exhibited and two to three slides, color photographs or CD-ROM of the exhibition space; a slide script; resumes or bios of exhibiting artist(s) and curator(s). If request includes a touring exhibition, submit a list of venues with dates, attendance figures, and a percentage demographic breakdown of the audience by ethnicity for each.

4. For those with an instruction and training component: resumes of instructors, 2 copies of class schedule or curriculum brochure, representative list of former students who have entered professional careers. Submit a demographic breakdown of the students by ethnicity.

5. For those with a touring performance component: include letters of invitation from or contracts with local sponsors.