GO Queens Grant

The GO Queens Grant, funded by the Howard Gilman Foundation, aims to support Queens-based performing arts and culture organizations with unrestricted $10,000 grants. Targeted at nonprofits with annual budgets under $250,000, this initiative promotes growth and community engagement. Eligible organizations must focus on the performing arts, demonstrate nonprofit status, and have been active for at least a year. This funding is vital for general operational support, helping organizations recover post-COVID and enhance their contributions to the arts in Queens.

The GO Queens Grant will fund Queens-based performing arts and culture organizations to support their mission and work in the community. Flushing Town Hall will award twenty-five $10,000 grants to Queens-based arts and culture nonprofit organizations that have the performing arts as a core focus/component in their organization's identity with annual operating budgets under $250,000. These unrestricted funds can be used for General Operating Support (GOS) to help the granted organization grow. Some funds may be used for 2026 programs, at the discretion of the applying organization.
With this new funding, we look to help sustain local not-for-profit organizations and further promote their growth and creativity as they recover from the impacts of COVID and its economic fallout.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must:
Be Queens-based performing arts organization, or a multidisciplinary organization with the performing arts as a core focus/component of their mission and organization identity.Have a valid mailing address in Queens (PO Boxes are accepted.)Have been in existence and active for at least one yearHave an operating budget of $250,000 or less in the most recent completed fiscal yearApplying organizations must submit their operating budget from the most recent completed fiscal year for panel reviewHave not received the GO Queens Grant in the previous year.Have the performing arts be a central part of the organization’s mission and work.Show how their work in the community strengthens and enriches Queens and NYCHave nonprofit statusThe following proofs of nonprofit status are acceptable:A 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRSDocumentation of charter by the NY State Board of Regents under section 216 of the State Education LawA current NY State Bureau of Charities filing receiptDocumentation of incorporation under section 402 of the NY State Not-for-Profit Corporation Law If an organization does not have nonprofit status, they can apply with a fiscal sponsor
Eligible fiscal sponsors can be NYC-based (not just Queens), but the applying organization must still be Queens-basedFiscal sponsors must provide the same proof of nonprofit status as previously mentioned forFiscal sponsors are not subject to the $250,000 operating budget restriction, but the sponsored organization applying must show they have met this budget thresholdThese funds will be for General Operating Support rather than project-based, and can be used for eligible expenses including, but not limited to:
Staff Salaries (for current employees, as well as for hiring new employees)Space/Office RentMarketing CostsEquipment and Supply PurchasesOther Day-to-Day Operational Needs2026 program expenses