The Delaware Division of the Arts’ General Operating Support (GOS) program provides grants to nonprofit arts organizations to support annual operating expenses and ensure consistent access to the arts across Delaware. These grants operate on a three-year cycle, with a full application required during the "on year" and interim applications or reports submitted in subsequent years. Only current GOS grantees and organizations that have completed the StartUp Program may apply in FY2026.
Eligible organizations must focus primarily on the arts, maintain a stable board of directors, hold nonprofit status under IRS regulations, and have an annual operating income of over $16,000. Applications must be submitted directly by the organization, and fiscal agents are not permitted.
The full application includes an organizational profile, narrative responses, a two-year budget comparison, financial reports, a Cultural Data Profile from SMU DataArts, and supporting materials. Interim reports focus on program highlights and organizational changes. Grant funds may be used for expenses such as artist fees, administrative costs, marketing, professional development, and operational costs. They cannot be used for capital expenditures, fundraising, lobbying, or activities outside Delaware.
Applications are evaluated based on artistic quality (40%), service to the community (30%), and management effectiveness (30%). Funding levels are recalculated annually and may vary due to budgetary considerations and panel evaluations. Decisions are announced after July 1, 2025, following a review by the Delaware State Arts Council.
Grant funds must support activities occurring between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Grantees must submit final reports by September 30, 2026, to remain eligible for future funding. Compliance with accessibility requirements and crediting the Division appropriately in materials are also required. Applicants considering related programs like Arts Stabilization or Education Resource grants should consult the Division for guidance.
