General Operating Support (GOS)
Forecasted
Illinois Arts Council's General Operating Support (GOS) grant funds core operations and programming for arts organizations, with an option to support youth employment in the arts.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: GOS: Formula-based, minimum $2,500 (FY26); YEA add-on: up to $4,500 for up to 4 youth employees; 1-year awards
Summary: Flexible support for Illinois arts organizations' core operations, with optional funding for youth employment in the arts.
Key Information: Must be a 501(c)(3) or public entity in Illinois with at least 12 months of arts programming; GATA pre-qualification required.
Description
The Illinois Arts Council's General Operating Support (GOS) program provides flexible, formula-based funding to not-for-profit organizations and public entities in Illinois that deliver ongoing arts programming aligned with their mission. The grant aims to strengthen the capacity of arts organizations to serve diverse communities across Illinois, supporting general operations such as staff salaries, rent, utilities, and program delivery. An optional Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) add-on is available for GOS grantees, offering up to $4,500 to support paid opportunities for Illinois youth (ages 14–22) in both administrative and artistic roles. The program is designed to ensure the arts remain accessible and relevant statewide.
