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

October 16, 2024 (Round 1) | April 16, 2025 (Round 2)

Up to $4,000 per project; single-year funding; projects must conclude by June 30, 2026.

Supports artists in Southwest Minnesota at any career stage to develop skills, expand audiences, and advance their artistic careers.

Applicants must be permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region; all arts disciplines eligible.

--- ## Description This grant program provides funding for individual artists residing in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to support projects that foster artistic skill development, career advancement, and audience expansion. Open to artists at any stage of their career and in any arts discipline, the grant is designed to help artists grow professionally and creatively, enabling them to live and work more sustainably in the region. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to: - Purchase of supplies or equipment - Compensated time or childcare while working on a body of work - Research or one-on-one study with a mentor - Attendance at workshops or conferences for professional/artistic development - Rental of facilities for presenting work or studio space - Website or portfolio production, framing, recording, editing, or publishing costs --- ## Due Dates - **Round 1** - Request staff draft review by: October 2, 2024 - Application deadline: October 16, 2024 - Panel review: November 9, 2024 - Board action: November 26, 2024 - Earliest project start date: December 1, 2024 - **Round 2** - Request staff draft review by: April 2, 2025 - Application deadline: April 16, 2025 - Panel review: May 17, 2025 - Board action: May 27, 2025 - Earliest project start date: June 1, 2025 All projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$4,000** per project - 100% of the grant is paid upon contract signing and project start - Grant funds count as taxable income - No matching funds required --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic:** Permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region (18 counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, Yellow Medicine) and two tribal nations (Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community, Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community) - **Residency:** At least 6 months prior to application and throughout the grant period; proof of residency required - **Age:** 18 years or older - **Status:** Only one pending SMAC individual grant at a time; must have completed reporting for any previous SMAC grant - **Ineligible:** SMAC staff, board members (and immediate family), current panelists, and those with overdue reports **Ineligible activities include:** - Projects without an art focus - Equipment not tied to the project - For-profit or mass-market projects - Degree-related activities or tuition - Curriculum/teaching projects within schools - New building construction or real estate - Fundraising events - Religious, lobbying, or regranting activities - Projects begun before the eligible start date --- ## Application Process - **How to Apply:** - Online via the [SMAC grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - By email (Word document and attachments) to [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) - By mail or arranged drop-off (contact SMAC for details) - **Required Materials:** - Project description and timeline - Project budget and budget narrative - Artist resume or bio - Work samples (attachments or links) - Optional: supplemental materials (e.g., mentor qualifications, equipment details) - **Assistance:** - Draft review available if requested at least two weeks before the deadline - Grantwriting workshops, Q&A sessions, and one-on-one meetings available ([schedule with grants administrator](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac)) - **Review Criteria:** - Feasibility (10%) - Excellence of work (45%) - Project’s contribution to artist’s growth (45%) - Priority points for first-time applicants, underserved/underrepresented communities, and applicants from underfunded counties --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting:** Final report due within 60 days of project end; must include actual costs and outcomes - **Acknowledgement:** Grantees must credit SMAC and the McKnight Foundation in all publicity - **Observation:** Grant review panel meetings are open to applicants (advance notice required) - **Penalties:** Late final reports may result in penalties or ineligibility for future grants --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FY25-AG-Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Grant Program Page](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-individual-artists/artist-growth-grants-2/) - [Application Questions (Word)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AG-App-Questions.docx) - [Scoring Criteria](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AG-Criteria.pdf) - [Scoring Rubric](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AG-Scoring-Rubric.pdf) - [Workshops & Assistance](https://swmnarts.org/workshops-assistance/) - [Video Tutorial for Online Grant System](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | | Phone | 507-537-1471 or 800-622-5284 | | Grants Administrator | [Schedule with Caroline Koska](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | Mailing Address | PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258 | | Program Website | [SW MN Arts Council](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-individual-artists/artist-growth-grants-2/) | ---

Artist Growth Grants

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