General Operating Support Grant Program 2026-2027

The 2026–2027 General Operating Support (GOS) grant program is administered by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC), a public agency and the region’s largest funder for arts and culture in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. CAC was established by a public vote in 2006 and has since awarded over $257 million to more than 500 nonprofit organizations. Its mission is to inspire and strengthen the community by supporting organizations that produce and present cultural programming for the public. The General Operating Support grant provides multi-year core support to qualifying nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is in the arts or cultural heritage and who operate in and serve Cuyahoga County residents. The program is intended to stabilize and build the capacity of arts and cultural nonprofits by offering funding that supports day-to-day operations rather than specific projects. All grant activities and use of funds must align with arts and culture as defined by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3381, which includes disciplines such as literature, theater, music, visual arts, natural sciences, and cultural history. Organizations applying must meet several eligibility criteria, including: having a demonstrated arts or cultural mission, being headquartered and operating primarily in Cuyahoga County for at least three years, and holding 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for at least three years or being a successor organization. Applicants must also have completed at least two CAC-funded grants since 2021 or currently hold a GOS or Cultural Heritage grant. Applications from fiscal agents, for-profit entities, K–12 schools, government entities, or foundations are not eligible. All applicants must demonstrate sound governance, with active boards, appropriate financial controls, and compliance with state business filings. Funding amounts are tiered based on the applicant's financial documentation. Organizations filing IRS Form 990-N may receive up to $5,000. Those filing a 990-EZ or 990 without audited financials may be awarded up to $20,000. For organizations with audited or reviewed financials and annual revenues over $200,000, award amounts can range from $20,000 up to $1,000,000. All grants over $5,000 require a 1:1 cash match. Grants of $5,000 or less may include in-kind contributions for up to 50% of the match. Matching sources must be non-CAC funds and may include donations, ticket sales, or other public/private income. The application process opens in early May 2025 and closes at 4:30 PM ET on Thursday, July 31, 2025. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted. First-time GOS applicants must submit additional documents such as three years of IRS 990s, audited financials if available, and a Cultural Data Profile by SMU DataArts. All materials must be submitted through CAC’s online platform. Organizations will be notified of eligibility and grant recommendations before CAC’s Board approves final awards in November 2025. Grant agreements are expected to be signed by January 2026. Grantees must submit annual goals tied to CAC’s funding priorities—Public Benefit, Artistic and Cultural Vibrancy, and Organizational Capacity. Additional responsibilities include posting events on CAC’s event calendar, acknowledging public support, and timely submission of mid-year and year-end reports. Grantees not in compliance may have their funding reduced or rescinded. The grant period spans two calendar years: 2026 and 2027. Contact CAC at info@cacgrants.org or 216.515.8303 for support throughout the process.

Start early, attend CAC workshops, use online portal, confirm eligibility early