Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How much money do state arts agencies typically devote to general operating support grants?

Answer: State arts agencies collectively award about 4,400 general operating support grants each year. Totaling $91 million dollars–or about 36 percent of all state arts agency grant dollars–these awards are usually available to support the ongoing programs, operations and planning of cultural organizations. Among the 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies, 50 offer this type of support.

For more information: NASAA can supply grant-making statistics that show how your own agency’s grant making patterns compare to trends in other states. Based on data each state arts agency reports to the National Endowment for the Arts, these tables provide handy benchmarks for program reviews, strategic planning and evaluation efforts. Contact Kelly Barsdate to request customized information.