GCAC General Support Grant

The GCAC General Support Grant provides essential funding to small to mid-sized arts organizations in Columbus, focusing on those with a strong public engagement and professional artist involvement. Eligible organizations must have a three-year history, a budget under $500,000, and a commitment to public activities. This grant fosters artistic creativity and community participation, ensuring that arts remain accessible and vibrant in the region.

NOTE: Organizations must pre-qualify and receive approval to apply in the first year. This is the pre-proposal deadline.
General Support - Purpose
Provide a stable source of financial support for established small to mid-sized arts organizations putting on a full season of public activities.
Description
General Support grants provide unrestricted funding for pre-approved small to mid-sized arts organizations that produce and/or present full seasons of performances, exhibitions and arts events. The majority of activities must be open to the public, presented primarily at venues in the city of Columbus, include significant participation of professional artists and have an implementation plan outlined at time of submission.
Award Amount
Award amount received will be based on the organization’s three-year adjusted revenue, committee score, and applied percentages. Award amounts are contingent upon funds available.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria to apply for General Support.Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is arts and culture with at least three-years of activity;Have an annual operating budget (three-year average) of under $500,000 (no minimum budget requirements);Present a full season of art activities for the public featuring paid, professional artists; at least 70% of the operational budget must be dedicated to these activities (this percentage cannot include fundraisers, public art, education/classes, youth programs or social service programs).At least 50% of public activities take place within the city of Columbus (check zoning here );Must have previously received at least one Project or Operating support grant from the Arts Council;Have a board of directors/trustees with a minimum of (5) members who are not paid staff.Applicants can receive one General Support award per calendar year.

Ineligibility

What types of organizations are NOT eligible?Organizations with primary mission related to public art.
Organizations with primary mission related to education or youth programs.
Organizations with primary mission related to arts therapy.
Social service organizations (even those with arts programming).Organizations receiving General Support cannot apply for Operating or Project Suppor