About the OPPORTUNITY
Operating Support Grants support the operations of cultural nonprofit organizations, increasing the variety of cultural experiences available to residents and visitors in Central Florida. This comprehensive grant program recognizes the high value of arts and culture for our region and the established institutions that provide cultural programming for the public year-round.
Organization Eligibility:
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status for a minimum of three years as of the grant deadline, in good standing with the State of FL Division of Corporations & the IRS. United Arts will verify the organization's current 501(c)(3) status.
- Arts and Culture, History, or Science as the primary mission
- Completed three years of operations, providing year-round cultural programming (defined as at least four (4) productions, presentations, or instruction of performing, visual, literary, or media (digital and tech) arts, the sciences, or history and heritage per year). Programming must be open to the public. A four-show run of a single production does not satisfy this requirement
- Principal office located in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole county
- Have a Unique Entity ID (formerly DUNS#)
- Have received and successfully completed a Project Grant, Diversity in the Arts Grant or have received Arts and Culture Access funding from United Arts prior to applying for Operating Support
- Local governing board (may include members who reside outside Central Florida) that meets at least quarterly, operates in accordance with its bylaws, and reviews and approves the organization’s financial statements
- All applicant organizations must have a checking account with a licensed financial institution
- Provide equal access and opportunity in employment and services and may not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, geography, age, varying abilities, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, citizenship status, or socioeconomic status.
For Full Eligibility requirements view the 2025 Operating Support Guidelines
Organizations that do not meet all criteria (or do not provide year-round programming) may be eligible for other United Arts programs. UnitedArtsCFL.org/grant-resources
