General Operating Support Grant

The General Operating Support (GOS) grant is offered by the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) to support medium and large arts organizations in Virginia. The primary aim of this grant is to invest in these organizations to enhance their artistic and operational excellence, as well as to foster community engagement and access. The VCA acts as a partner by providing operating funds to help continue, strengthen, and expand arts experiences that benefit Virginians. This grant is the largest program offered by the VCA, requiring applicants to submit detailed information to enable a thorough understanding of their activities, organizational structure, management practices, financial stability, and community outreach. Eligibility for the GOS grant is restricted to Virginia-based organizations whose primary purpose is the arts. These organizations must be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, incorporated in Virginia for at least one year prior to application, and have their headquarters and home season in Virginia. They must have completed three years of programming, present at least three different programs or services for the public each year, and have had a previous year’s unrestricted operating income of at least $150,000. Additionally, they must present activities in ADA-compliant venues and be governed by a regularly meeting Board. First-time applicants are required to contact the Commission staff before applying to confirm eligibility. The GOS grant funds can be used to support most aspects of an organization’s annual operating expenses, excluding capital expenses. Eligible expenses include artist fees, administrative costs, contractual services, accessibility services, facilities operations, marketing or publicity, personnel costs, professional development, supplies and materials, technical costs, and domestic travel. Applications for the FY27 cycle will open in winter 2027 and will have application due dates on Febuary 1st and March 1st 2026. Applicants must submit several required attachments, including an Eligible Income Worksheet, a Signed Certification of Assurances, a Virginia W-9 Form, and several support documents such as artistic excellence documents, staff and Board member lists, an IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, and financial statements. The evaluation of applications is based on three criteria: Artistic Excellence, Operational Excellence, and Community Engagement and Access, with respective weightings of 30, 30, and 40 points. Artistic Excellence is assessed based on the quality of activities and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. Operational Excellence considers the organization’s capacity to manage its operations and resources effectively. Community Engagement and Access evaluate the organization’s strategies for engaging diverse communities and compliance with ADA-accessibility mandates. For further inquiries or assistance, applicants can contact the Virginia Commission for the Arts at their office located at Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite #330, Richmond, VA 23219, or by phone at 804.225.3132. The Commission will notify applicants of their application status by email following the Commission Board meeting and pending enactment of the fiscal year budget. The award payment is typically made in full by mid to late August.

The GOS grant requires applicants to contact the Commission staff before applying to confirm eligibility.