2026-2027 Operating Support Grant

The Nevada Arts Council offers the FY26/27 Operating Support Grant (OSG) to strengthen Nevada's arts infrastructure by supporting the general operations of nonprofit arts organizations throughout the state. This grant, offered on a two-year cycle, provides funding to assist with core expenses such as administrative salaries, payroll, insurance, facility rentals, utilities, and professional services. The maximum grant award is $50,000, disbursed as $25,000 per fiscal year, and the specific amount awarded is based on the applicant organization's annual revenue. Eligible applicants must be Nevada-based nonprofit organizations incorporated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additional eligibility criteria include having a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, active good standing with the Nevada Secretary of State, at least $10,000 in annual revenue, a primary arts mission, and a history of at least three years of effective arts programming. Organizations must also have at least one paid employee to qualify for funding levels 2 through 5. The application for this grant opens on May 1, 2025, and the deadline is July 1, 2025. The funding period covers two fiscal years: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (Year 1), and July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (Year 2). Grantees receive funding in two equal parts, contingent on submission and approval of an Award Packet and an Interim Report. The final report must be submitted by June 30, 2027, to maintain eligibility for future grants. Evaluation is based on three weighted criteria: Organizational Capacity and Management (40 points), Artistic Excellence (30 points), and Community Impact/Artistic Merit (30 points). Review panels assess applications based on evidence of financial health, staff qualifications, programming quality, and community engagement. Applications with an average score below 70 will not be funded. Applicants must submit a comprehensive online application including narrative responses, financial documentation, support materials such as marketing samples and artistic work samples, and an organizational accessibility checklist. A 1:1 cash match is required for all funding levels. Organizations may also receive additional grants such as the Arts Learning Project Grant in the same fiscal year. For assistance, applicants may contact Michelle Patrick at [email protected] or 702-486-3732, and Lauren Frick at [email protected] or 775-687-7719. General inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 775-687-6680. Further details and resources are available on the Nevada Arts Council’s website.