[McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org)

August 2026

$1,000 per award; typically 8 grants per cycle; project must be completed within 12 months

Supports individual artists in Minnesota’s Lake Region Arts Council area for projects advancing career development and artistic achievement.

For individual artists in the LRAC nine-county region; eligibility and project restrictions apply.

--- ## Description The Artist Quick Start Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC), provides targeted support to individual artists across all disciplines in the LRAC nine-county region of Minnesota. The grant is designed to foster career development and artistic achievement by funding projects such as training, production or presentation of new work, acquisition of supplies and equipment, professional services, and creative time or travel. Projects must primarily focus on fine arts and aim to advance the artist’s professional practice, creative reach, or engagement with new audiences. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fixed award of $1,000 per applicant. - Approximately 8 grants are awarded per cycle (total available funds $8,000). - 80% of the grant ($800) is disbursed upon contract; remaining 20% ($200) after final report approval. - Projects must be completed within 12 months of the start date. --- ## Eligibility ### Applicant Eligibility - Individual artists (including dancers, singers, musicians, actors, performers, writers, visual artists, etc.). - Must be at least 18 years old. - Must have lived for at least six months in one of the LRAC nine-county region: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin. - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. - Must submit a complete online application with all required documents and work samples. - Not eligible if: - Received an LRAC Artist Quick Start Grant within the last 12 months. - Received a Career Development Grant within the last 3 years. - Received a Fellowship Grant within the last 5 years. - Have overdue final reports for any LRAC grants. - Are an LRAC employee, contractor, Board member, or immediate family member of such. ### Project Eligibility - Projects must have a primary focus on fine arts and support artistic growth. - Eligible activities include: - Training (workshops, master classes, mentorship, but not for college credit or teaching licensure). - Production/presentation of new work (exhibits, performances, portfolio/music/video production, etc.). - Supplies and materials for new work (itemized list required for requests over $500). - Equipment essential to creating new work (quotes required for items over $500). - Professional services (venue rental, technical services, etc.). - Creative time and travel directly related to artistic development. - Ineligible uses include: - Tuition/materials for college credit. - Projects already funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board. - Routine completion of works in progress unless there is a new focus/audience. - Curriculum or teaching programs. - Translation/editing of non-original literary works. - Expenses incurred before grant approval or contract signing. - Religious indoctrination or socialization. - General travel/living expenses not focused on artistic development. - Projects benefiting a secondary group (e.g., fundraisers for charity). --- ## Application Process - Review full guidelines and instructional materials on the [LRAC4.org](https://www.lrac4.org) website. - Create a profile and complete the application in the LRAC Foundant online grant system. - Submit required supporting documents and work samples (format varies by discipline). - Submit application by the anticipated deadline. - Applications are reviewed by LRAC staff for completeness and may be returned for corrections (one week allowed for changes). - Eligible applications are reviewed and ranked by the LRAC Board based on artistic quality, professional growth, and commitment. - Notification of funding decisions is typically within two weeks after review. --- ## Additional Information - 80% of funds are disbursed after contract signing; the remaining 20% after submission and approval of a final report with documentation of expenses. - The project must be completed within 12 months; extensions require board approval. - All publicity must credit the Lake Region Arts Council and McKnight Foundation. - Grantees must comply with all applicable laws and maintain detailed records of expenditures. - Appeals of grant decisions are allowed only on procedural grounds. --- ## External Links - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Lake Region Arts Council](https://www.lrac4.org) - [2024–2025 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/667afd8672b01d080757ce49/1719336328026/FY25+Artist+Quick+Start+Grant+Guidelines.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Contact Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Lake Region Arts Council | 133 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | | LRAC Grants Manager | Phone: 218-739-5780; Email: LRAC4@LRACgrants.org | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | McKnight Foundation | Phone: +1 612-333-4220 |

Artist Quick Start Grant - McKnight Foundation

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