Information about General Operating Support (GOS) grants

RISCA awards General Operating Support to our state's major arts presenting and producing institutions. If you meet the eligibility requirements below and are interesting in more information, contact RISCA's organization support program coordinator for more information.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT APPLICANTS

In order to be eligible for General Operating Support organizations must be a nonprofit corporation, incorporated in and conducting business in the State of Rhode Island, with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. It must be governed by a revolving board of directors, trustees or an advisory board drawn from the community at large and shown to be actively involved in the activities of the organization.

Organizations are eligible for General Operating Support if, at the time of application, they:

• have a primary mission that is clearly arts or arts-related.
• have a record of receiving grant support for at least the past three consecutive years from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
• can provide a planning document, approved by their board of directors, which addresses artistic and administrative issues.
• have an operating budget in excess of $50,000 at the time of application, as shown by an certified independent audit, review, or accountant's compilation.
• perform or exhibit work in a space that is physically accessible to people with disabilities, as required by law.

Staffing requirements

• If the organization's budget is less than $100,000, it must have at least one part-time (minimum of 20 hours per week), year-round, paid staff member who is responsible for the oversight of the organization
• If the organization's budget is greater than $100,000, it must have both a paid professional business manager and a paid artistic director (or individuals with these functions if titles differ). The minimum combined hours for these two jobs must equal one and one-half full time positions.
• If the organization's budget is greater than $1,000,000, it must have both a full-time, paid business manager and full-time, paid artistic director.