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 theatre production or service to the theatre field. 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 focus is in the theatre discipline

Has had at least three consecutive years of previous support from the Theatre Program

Paid staff

Eligibility for other NYSCA funds

GOS applicants in this Program may be eligible to submit a second request in the Services to the Field category. 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 March registration deadline.  

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the programs and/or services planned for the coming year, highlighting new or expanded activities and audiences. Also, outline plans for the following year of this multi-year application.

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

3. Finances
Describe any plans, projects, and activities for meeting current and future expenses. Describe ways in which the Board is involved with this work.

4. 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?

5. Audience
In what ways does programming support your audience's deepening awareness and understanding of theatre?   Provide an overview of the educational and interpretive programming of your organization. Summarize strategies for diversifying audiences through packaging, marketing, and pricing of programs.

6. Facilities
Briefly describe your organization's performance facilities as they relate to programming and services. If you rent performing space, do you have a regular space and/or what are your usual production needs?

7. Collaborations/touring
If you are collaborating with any other arts organizations, describe the nature of the collaboration. If you are involved in touring any of your productions, describe that activity.

8. Production Summary
List your previous, current, and proposed years' seasons with names of playwrights and directors, the range of artists' salaries or fees, number of subscriptions, single ticket prices, and indicate the AEA union agreement (e.g. Showcase Tier, LOA, SPT), if applicable.

Support Materials

Support materials must be received or postmarked by the application deadline. Send support materials to the Program.   If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

1. Representative print materials (2 copies)

2. Resumés of new key personnel