Utah Arts and Museums General Operating Support Grants

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grant offered by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums is a biennial funding opportunity aimed at strengthening the organizational capacity and sustainability of nonprofit arts and museum entities throughout the state of Utah. This program is managed by Utah Arts & Museums, a division within the state government that promotes arts, museums, and cultural heritage. Established to provide consistent operational support, the GOS Grant reflects the division’s commitment to enabling Utah-based organizations to continue their arts-related missions and public service work in a stable and predictable financial environment. Eligible applicants include Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations, museums (including both art and non-art types) that maintain public-facing collections in a physical location, and Designated Local Arts Agencies recognized through the Division. These agencies may be nonprofits, government entities, or hybrids of both. However, organizations with annual revenues under $5,000 are ineligible. Additionally, fiscal sponsorship is not permitted for this operating grant, although it may be used in other project-based funding streams. Applicants may select between two application types: the full or simplified version. The simplified version is intended for those with annual budgets of $20,000 or less or for applicants that historically receive smaller grants, typically around $6,000. To apply, organizations must access the grant portal managed by Utah Arts & Museums. First-time users must create an account, which could take up to two days for approval. Applications must be submitted entirely online through this portal, and the portal opens each cycle in February. While the FY26 and FY27 application period is closed, the next application round is expected to open in January or February of 2027. In preparing their application, organizations are required to provide several key documents. These include a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov, work samples or other materials that demonstrate the organization’s work, and a screenshot of their listing on NowPlayingUtah.com. Applicants must also complete a standardized budget sheet, which has been updated for FY26/27 to include sample templates and a slideshow tutorial. Additional required documentation may vary depending on the specific grant version pursued. Applications are reviewed by a panel of community members who score and provide feedback using published scoring rubrics. These recommendations are then submitted to the Utah Arts & Museums Advisory Board for final approval. Grant funds must be used in compliance with Utah's HB 261 Equal Opportunity Initiatives law, which prohibits their use in support of discriminatory practices as outlined in Utah Code 53B-1-118. The agency provides a Grant Expenses Reference Guide to clarify eligible uses of funds. All awarded funds originate from state appropriations and must be used according to the guidelines provided. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the relevant guidance and rubrics before applying. For assistance, they can contact Stephanie Rokich (Grants Manager) or Racquel Cornali (Grants Coordinator) via email at [email protected] or by phone at 801.663.8457. Notifications regarding funding decisions are sent via email or mail, following approval by the advisory board. The next funding cycle is anticipated in early 2027.

Review scoring rubrics and budget templates before submission. Ensure all attachments meet format requirements.