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 theatre production or services to the theatre field.  GOS is designed to support seasonal activity by 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:

Eligibility for other NYSCA funds

Additional funds may be requested from other discipline 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. Required support materials are listed below.

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

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Artistic/Programmatic Overview
Describe the seasonal activity planned for the request year.  Briefly outline plans for the following year of this multi-year request.

2. Changes/Developments/Challenges
Describe any significant changes or developments in your programming.  What are your key programmatic challenges and how will you address them?

Managerial/Fiscal

3. Managerial Overview
Describe the administrative structure of your organization.  Note recent changes in staff and board.  Describe the role that board plays in the organization.

4. Fiscal Overview
Provide a fiscal overview of your organization.  Describe your fundraising strategies and plans for meeting current and future expenses.  Note board involvement in fiscal planning.

5. Marketing
Describe your marketing efforts, both organizational and programmatic.  Have there been any recent changes in your approach to marketing?  Describe your use of online resources and social networking sites.

6. Facilities/Collaborations/Touring
Describe your office and performance facilities (if you have them).  If you rent performing space, do you have a regular venue?  Have you engaged in any recent collaborations or co-productions?  Are there plans for this type of activity?  If you are involved in touring, describe that activity.  

7. Assessment
How does your organization assess the effectiveness of its work—artistic, managerial, fundraising, etc.?  Are you currently operating under a strategic plan?  Do you hold any type of organizational planning sessions or planning/assessment retreats?

Service to the Public

8. Audience Development
Discuss your efforts to maintain and increase audiences.  Do you have subscribers or members?  If so, how many?  Describe any efforts to diversify audiences.

9. Outreach
Describe all outreach activities—including education programs, discount ticketing, talk-backs, newsletters, etc.—offered to the public by your company.  Do you reach out to under-served populations in your community?  Do you collaborate with any community-based or social service organizations?

New in FY11: Production Summary Lists for your current season and last season should be submitted using the Production Summary form (click here or see the right-hand navigation menu). Please list the title of each play you produce, the name of the playwright, the name of the director, the AEA contract (e.g., LOA, Mini, Showcase, etc.) if applicable, the number of performances, and the range of artists' fees. Readings should not be included. Print 8 copies of this Production Summary List (double-sided, if possible) and include them with the hard-copy Support Materials that you will mail to the program. 

Support Materials

Please send 2 copies of the following materials to the Program by the application deadline: