This grant program makes general operating support of $2,500 available to small, nonprofit arts organizations with annual cash income of $20,000 – $150,000, that have arts as the core of their mission, and provide public access to ongoing arts programs.
The Commission will match, up to $4,500, subject to funds available, the tax monies given by independent town, city, county, and tribal governments to independent arts organizations. The funding, which does not include school arts budgets or arts programming by local governments, committees or councils of government, nor departments such as parks and recreation, may be sub-granted either by a local arts commission/council or directly by the governing body.
General Operating Support (GOS) is the largest program offered by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Applicants for this grant must provide more detailed information than those applying for other VCA grants. This additional information helps Advisory Panelists, staff, and the Commission Board gain a thorough understanding of the applicant’s activities, organizational structure, management practices, financial stability, and community outreach. Returning GOS applicants who have been reviewed by an Advisory Panel are encouraged to reference previous reviews that identify opportunities for improvement.
