Registration deadline: January 22, 2010
Application deadline: February 17, 2010

General Operating Support (GOS) is unrestricted support for ongoing institutional operating activities where the creation, production, and performance 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 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 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 online application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Complete the Events Schedule (online supplemental form), if applicable. Required support materials are listed below.

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

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

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. 

Managerial/Fiscal

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 effort. 

4. Artists Fees
For performing organizations, what are the fees paid to musicians, guest artists, and related concert personnel (if any) for rehearsals and performances?  

5. Organizational Development
Describe the role of the board and staff in the development and the ongoing assessment of programs and services. In addition, please summarize the goals and objectives of any long-term plan your organization may have.

Service to the Public

6. Audience/Marketing
Describe your organization’s marketing plan, including any efforts aimed at achieving a broader audience base.

7. Community 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? 

Support Materials

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

Support materials enable NYSCA music program staff and panelists, many of whom may be unfamiliar with your work, to get to know your organization better. Please choose materials that you think best represent the current work of your organization.

The Music Program requires that you send: