General Operating Support for Midsized Organizations is a two-year funding initiative by ArtsWA designed to support arts, culture, and heritage organizations with general operating expenses. ArtsWA, the Washington State Arts Commission, administers this program as part of its broader mission to promote and enrich the state's artistic landscape. This funding opportunity specifically targets midsized organizations that demonstrate a public-facing cultural mission and a stable operational history within Washington State.
The purpose of the program is to sustain and enhance the capacity of midsized organizations to provide accessible public programming in the arts and culture sector. Successful applicants can receive up to $6,000 distributed over two years, with a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Grant awards are contingent on funding availability and are intended to support day-to-day operational needs, including staffing, programming, and facility-related costs. However, funds cannot be used for out-of-state travel, fundraising events, hospitality expenses, or capital improvements such as renovations and construction, in accordance with ArtsWA's general funding exclusions.
Eligible organizations must be either 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local arts agencies officially designated by local government, or tribal governments. Fiscally sponsored groups must meet ArtsWA’s fiscal sponsorship criteria. Applicants must have a physical presence in Washington State, a minimum of three years of programming history, an annual operating budget between $100,000 and $350,000, and must provide publicly accessible arts and cultural experiences. Colleges, universities, schools, individuals, religious organizations, and government departments (unless designated as Local Arts Agencies) are not eligible.
The grant application will be open from March 3, 2025, to April 7, 2025, closing at 5:00 PM. Informational webinars will be held on March 10 and March 25, with open office hours beginning March 12, offering applicants further guidance. Notifications of award decisions are expected by the last week of May 2025. The funding period covers expenses from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Two separate final reports are required: one by July 31, 2026, for FY26, and one by July 31, 2027, for FY27.
Priority consideration will be given to organizations serving communities in distressed counties as identified by Washington State or those whose constituents include at least 25% of underserved populations, including communities marginalized by race, economic status, geography, disability, gender identity, or other social barriers. All applicants must submit key organizational documents including IRS letters of determination, annual budgets, and work samples. Additionally, applicants must obtain or confirm several identification numbers such as UBI, UEI, EIN, and a Statewide Vendor number to receive payment if awarded.
