The General Operating Support for Emerging and Small Organizations grant program provides financial assistance to young arts organizations for the 2026-2027 fiscal years, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The grant aims to support organizations that are not yet 501(c)(3) nonprofits or do not have Fiscal Sponsorship, offering an opportunity to obtain sponsorship through a partnership with Shunpike. The program prioritizes groups that focus on communities that have historically faced structural inequities and are not fully represented in their region. The application period is open from January 21, 2025, to February 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

The purpose of this grant is to provide general operating support to small and emerging arts organizations. Emerging organizations must have at least one year of experience managing their organization and delivering public programming, while small organizations must have at least three years of experience managing their organization and offering regular public programs. The funding supports activities such as administrative costs, program development, and other operational expenses.

Funding from this grant covers a two-year period, and organizations may use the funds for expenses incurred between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Two final reports are required: one for the fiscal year 2026, due on July 31, 2026, and another for fiscal year 2027, due on July 31, 2027. Groups seeking fiscal sponsorship must attend an informational session with Shunpike on February 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Those awarded a grant and obtaining fiscal sponsorship will also be required to attend a 90-minute onboarding session.

Eligibility is limited to organizations based in Washington State, with a focus on King County, the City of Tacoma, and the City of Olympia. The program does not prioritize applicants from outside these areas. Organizations applying for fiscal sponsorship must review Shunpike’s Applying for Fiscal Sponsorship document, which outlines important details regarding payment and sponsorship responsibilities.

Applicants are encouraged to attend grant application webinars scheduled for January 28, 2025, and February 18, 2025. Weekly office hours begin on January 30, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Notification of application results is expected in the last week of March 2025.

For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Ashley Marshall, Grants to Organizations Program Assistant, at ashley.marshall@arts.wa.gov or 360-485-1524, or Miguel Guillén, Grants to Organizations Program Manager, at miguel.guillen@arts.wa.gov. The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) administers this program and is located at 711 Capitol Way S., Suite 600, Olympia, WA 98501-1293.