FAQ

What does “General Operating Support (GOS)” offer organizations?

Performing orchestras, operas, children’s museums, and other multi-dimensional community art centers sustain themselves through direct means–like ticket sales and other measures–but often recoup a majority of investment from independent donations and grant allowances. These latter methods of financial support are often required to be tied to specific outputs by the organization, a shiny new program, facility or other effort. We at BCAC know that individual arts organizations require funding not only for new programs but to sustain historic ones, maintain an inviting environment, and to fulfill millions of other necessary costs to keep their organizations running. The United Cultural Fund General Operating Support (GOS) Grant allows funding for all the different mundane costs arts organizations endure. BCAC’s United Cultural Fund GOS grant allowances are awarded with minimal strings attached and are thus designed to offer organizations sustainability in their operations. The United Cultural Fund General Operating Support Grant allows recipients freedom, agency, and accountability in their own operations and ensures Broome County Arts Council can help arts organizations in the exact ways they need help.

What if I already donate directly to a specific arts organization?

Direct support is great–we encourage all corporate and individual donors to support their favorite theater/museum/community organization. The unique aspect of the Broome County Arts Council’s United Cultural Fund is that it ensures a variety in arts programming in Broome County by not only providing general operating support for large organizations but also creating havens of support for smaller ones. United Cultural Fund’s Project Grants give funds to extremely local, otherwise low-budget projects and organizations to help them get their ideas off the ground. The United Cultural Fund acknowledges that ALL arts programming, rather it be an intimate outdoor concert on a cool Summer night or a multi-day nationally renowned projection arts festival, enriches the cultural fabric of Broome County and its residents.

What are the economic benefits of supporting the arts in Broome County?

Now in its 37th year, the United Cultural Fund is a unique community resource whose financial benefits are a
two-way street. Past recipients have:

• returned more than $4 million to Broome County’s economy
• generated significant income for other businesses
• supported about 1,500 full, part-time and contracted jobs (per data from 2019)