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

September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $4,000 per individual artist; project duration typically 12–18 months.

Supports underrepresented artists in Minnesota's Arrowhead region to create, present, or develop artistic projects and professional growth opportunities.

For BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, disabled, veteran, and/or older (65+) artists residing in the ARAC service region.

--- ## Description The Artist Equity Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), provides financial support to individual artists who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); people with disabilities; people age 65 and older; military veterans; and/or individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2+. The program aims to amplify underrepresented voices by supporting the creation, performance, exhibition, or publishing of artistic works, as well as participation in non-academic learning and arts education opportunities. The grant is designed to foster artistic growth and professional development, with a focus on serving the diverse communities of Minnesota's Arrowhead region. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline (anticipated/projected):** September 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** $4,000 per individual artist - **Project duration:** Typically 12–18 months (must be completed within the specified grant period) --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Individual artists who are BIPOC, people with disabilities, age 65+, military veterans, and/or LGBTQIA2+ - Must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident - Must reside in the ARAC service region (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties, or one of the following four tribal nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe District I) for at least six months prior to the deadline and throughout the project - **Project focus:** Arts and/or culture-bearing must be the primary focus - **Other rules:** - Projects may not be conducted under business names or structures; no applications on behalf of a business or LLC - Only one ARAC grant may be active at a time (excluding Operating Support grantees or first-time applicants) - Must complete all previously funded ARAC projects and final reporting before reapplying - Project funds may not be used for costs incurred before the grant period or after it ends - Ineligible uses include activities outside Minnesota, academic credit, for-profit business expenses, most capital improvements (except ADA accessibility), and fundraising for other organizations --- ## Application Process - **How to apply:** - Applications are submitted via the [ARAC online grants management portal (Foundant)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) - Application materials include a project description, budget, work samples, and artistic resume - Optional feedback is available from ARAC staff up to 10 business days before the deadline (application must remain in draft mode for review) - **Review process:** - Eligibility review by ARAC staff, followed by panel review using criteria such as artistic vision, impact, ability to execute, and evaluation plan - Priority points may be awarded for first-time applicants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, people with disabilities, veterans, age 65+, and applicants from underfunded counties/towns - **Award notification:** Typically within a week after board approval; payment issued prior to project start --- ## Additional Information - Grant recipients must acknowledge ARAC and the McKnight Foundation in all publicity and follow [logo/credit guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - All funded activities must be accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act - Grantees are required to retain records of grant-related activities and expenditures for three years after project completion - Projects cannot be primarily fundraising, for academic credit, or benefit for-profit businesses --- ## External Links - [Program page and guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/equity-grant) - [Grant management portal (application submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) - [Download full program guidelines (PDF)](https://www.aracouncil.org/s/equity_guidelines_ARAC.pdf) - [ARAC logo and acknowledgment requirements](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Notes | |------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------|--------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) | 218-722-0952 | For ADA accommodations and questions | | Grant Programs team | [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) | | For questions on content or open grants | | Grants/Operations Coord| [admin@aracouncil.org](mailto:admin@aracouncil.org) | | Technical questions about submission | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | Funder information |

Artist Equity Grant

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