Operating Support Grants

Overview

Operating Support Grants support the operations of cultural nonprofit organizations, increasing the variety of cultural experiences available to residents and visitors in Central Florida. This comprehensive grant program recognizes the high value of arts and culture for our region and the established institutions that provide cultural programming for the public year-round.

Key Dates

• Application open: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
• Application deadline: Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm
• Staff question deadline: Friday, August 30, 2024 at 1 pm
• Staff courtesy review request deadline: Friday, August 23, 2024 at 5 pm
• Staff eligibility reviews: September 6–14, 2024
• Panel meetings: October 2024
• Executive Committee Approval: November 2024
• Board Approval and notification of award: December 2024
• Funding period: January–December 2025
• Final Report due: February 2026

Organization Eligibility

• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status for minimum three years as of grant deadline, in good standing with Florida Division of Corporations and IRS
• Unique Entity ID (formerly DUNS#)
• Completed three years of operations providing year-round cultural programming (at least four productions, presentations, or instruction per year in performing, visual, literary, media, sciences, or history and heritage)
• Programming must be open to the public (four-show run of single production does not satisfy requirement)
• Principal office located in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole county
• Arts and Culture, History, or Science as primary mission
• Prior receipt and successful completion of Project Grant, Diversity in the Arts Grant, or Arts and Culture Access funding from United Arts
• Local governing board meeting at least quarterly, operating per bylaws, reviewing and approving financial statements
• Checking account with licensed financial institution
• Equal access and opportunity in employment and services without discrimination

Ineligible Organizations

• Public or private entities governed by county, municipality, school district, college, university, or state agency
• Media companies (TV/print); nonprofit and public radio stations are eligible
• Faith-based organizations
• Fraternal or sports organizations
• Political causes, candidates, or campaigns
• Hospitals and health/disease-specific organizations
• Local arms of state or national organizations
• Adjuncts to for-profit organizations
• Primarily touring presenters with budgets over $5 million

Award Amounts

• Minimum award: $10,000
• Maximum award: $250,000
• Organizations funded at $250,000 apply once every 3 years and must complete interim and end-of-year reporting and maintain 501(c)(3) status

Funded Activities

Grant funds support both operating expenses (salaries, rent, technology, etc.) and programmatic expenses supporting day-to-day operations. Operations and programming must be cultural (arts, sciences, or humanities), occur in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole counties, and be open to the public. Examples include performances, exhibitions, festivals, arts education, and commissioning of new works.

Ineligible Uses

Grant dollars cannot be used for capital expenditures (acquisitions or equipment), building renovation or remodeling, deficit reduction, bad debts, contingencies, fines and penalties, interest payments, litigation costs, contributions to cash reserves or endowment funds, or lobbying.