The FY26-27 General Operating Support I (GOS I) Grants is a two-year funding opportunity provided by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) to support the general operations of small and mid-sized arts and humanities organizations based in Montgomery County, Maryland. Unlike project-specific grants, the GOS I Grant is intended to fund the day-to-day operating costs of eligible nonprofit organizations, ensuring stability and continuity in their mission-driven work. The grant period covers activities occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations that have an allowable annual cash operating revenue and expenses of at least $50,000 and up to $150,000 for the last three completed consecutive fiscal years. Organizations with annual cash operating revenue and expenses exceeding $150,000 are eligible only if they have not applied for or been awarded a General Operating Support II (GOS II) Grant. The primary goal of the GOS I grant is to promote organizational stability, foster audience and community engagement, and support the continued growth of diverse arts and humanities organizations. Through this grant, AHCMC aims to ensure diverse cultural experiences for Montgomery County residents, enhance organizational capacity, and encourage active community participation.

Applicants may request between $10,000 and $50,000 in funding. However, the amount requested may not exceed 35% of the applicant’s most recently completed fiscal year’s allowable cash operating revenue and expenses or $50,000, whichever is lower. Requests over $25,000 require submission of an audit or financial review for FY24. More than one application from the same organization within the funding period will not be accepted, and organizations must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 7, 2025, before submitting the full application, which is due by March 21, 2025.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and have their primary office in Montgomery County, MD. They must also maintain a Board of Directors where at least 40% of members reside or work in Montgomery County and have at least one paid employee working a minimum of five hours per week. Organizations requesting over $25,000 must have a paid employee working at least 20 hours per week. Furthermore, at least 51% of programming and services must be conducted within Montgomery County, and all applicants must have a balanced budget demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

The application process involves a multi-step review, including an LOI submission, application review, and panel evaluation based on key criteria such as organizational capacity, programming, community impact, and financial stability. Final grant awards will be announced in late June 2025. Recipients must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including mid-year and final reports for each fiscal year, and adhere to all guidelines regarding the use of funds. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of funds and ineligibility for future funding.

Post-award, recipients are required to sign a Grant Agreement and submit financial and programmatic reports throughout the two-year grant period. Disbursement of funds will be contingent upon the fulfillment of grant conditions, and funding must be used exclusively for operational expenses incurred within Montgomery County. Organizations seeking additional funding through other AHCMC grants must ensure that grant requests do not overlap with funding for the same expenses. For assistance with the application, AHCMC offers webinars, consultations, and direct staff support.