General Operating Support: Medium and Large Arts Organizations | GOS
Forecasted
General Operating Support: Medium and Large Arts Organizations (GOS) supports Virginia arts organizations' ongoing work, strengthening artistic programs and operations while expanding community access.
Funder: Virginia Commission for the Arts
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Short Form) | March 2027 (Long Form)
Funding Amounts: At least $5,000 per year if approved; capped at 10% of adjusted prior-year unrestricted operating income; one-year awards
Summary: Operating support for Virginia arts organizations to sustain artistic work, strengthen operations, and expand community access.
Key Information: First-time applicants must contact Commission staff before applying to confirm eligibility.
Description
The Virginia Commission for the Arts provides General Operating Support to medium and large arts organizations whose primary purpose is the arts. The program invests in artistic excellence, operational excellence, and community engagement and access. Funding supports ongoing work, including artist fees, personnel, accessibility services, facilities operations, marketing, professional development, and other costs of delivering arts programs and services; it cannot support capital expenses or subgrants.
Reviewers consider artistic work in the context of each organization’s mission, audiences, and community role. The program emphasizes sustainable leadership and governance, relevant arts experiences, reduced barriers to participation, engagement with new and underserved groups, and opportunities for arts education and lifelong learning.
