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

Up to $1,000 per award; single-year projects; funding counts toward taxable income.

Supports artists in Southwest Minnesota for supplies, classes, professional development, or small community art projects.

Applicants must be permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region; only one pending SMAC individual grant at a time.

--- ## Description This grant provides up to $1,000 in quick-access funding for individual artists in Southwest Minnesota to support a wide range of activities, including creating or sharing new work, attending classes or workshops, professional development, and small artist-led community projects. The program is open to artists at any career stage and in any discipline, with a focus on both artist-focused and community-focused projects. Funding is intended to be flexible and accessible, with monthly application deadlines and a streamlined process. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are due by 4:00 pm on the 1st of each month from August 2024 through May 2025, or until funds are expended. - Earliest project start date is the 1st day of the month following the application deadline. - Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. - Request a draft review at least one week before the deadline for staff feedback. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $1,000 per project. - Funding is provided as a single payment upon contract execution and project start. - Grant funds count toward the recipient's taxable income. - Projects must break even (not generate profit); fundraising events are not eligible. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic:** Applicants must be permanent residents (at least 6 months prior to application) of the SW MN Arts Council region, which includes 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 (Upper Sioux Community, Lower Sioux Community). - **Age:** Must be at least 18 years old at contract signing. - **Status:** Only individuals may apply (not organizations or groups). - **Other SMAC Grants:** Only one pending SMAC individual grant at a time; must complete reporting on any previous SMAC grant before reapplying. - **Residency Proof:** May be required (MN state ID/driver’s license and utility/mortgage/rent bill). - **Ineligible:** SMAC staff, board members, their immediate family, and current grant review panelists for the round. **Ineligible Activities:** - Projects without an art focus. - Equipment not tied to the project. - For-profit or mass-market projects. - Degree-related activities (tuition, class projects, etc.). - Curriculum/teaching materials for professional teaching advancement. - New building construction or real estate. - Fundraising events. - Religious, lobbying, or regranting activities. - Projects begun or expenses incurred before the project start date. --- ## Application Process - **How to Apply:** - Online via the [SMAC grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - By email (using the [application questions document](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-QSA-App-Questions.docx)) 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) - Proof of residency (if requested) - **Optional:** Supplemental materials (e.g., info on workshops, equipment, mentor qualifications) - **Assistance:** Applicants are encouraged to contact SMAC staff for guidance or to request a draft review at least one week before the deadline. [Schedule a meeting with the grants administrator](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac). --- ## Additional Information - **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed for eligibility, then scored by a panel based on project feasibility and impact on the artist’s growth (artist-focused) or community (community-focused). - **Priority Points:** Additional points for first-time applicants, those from underrepresented communities, or from counties with few recent SMAC grants. - **Notification:** Applicants are notified of decisions after the SMAC Board’s review (4th Tuesday of each month). - **Reporting:** Final report due within 60 days of project end, including receipts and outcome documentation. - **Acknowledgement:** Grantees must credit SMAC, the McKnight Foundation, and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund in all publicity. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-QSA-Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Questions (Word)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-QSA-App-Questions.docx) - [Apply Online](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [FY25 Grant Calendar](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FY25-Grant-Program-Calendar.pdf) - [Scoring Criteria](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-QSA-Criteria.pdf) - [Scoring Rubric](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-QSA-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) - [SMAC Artist Directory](https://swmnarts.org/directory-of-artists/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | | Phone | 507-537-1471 or 800-622-5284 | | Grants Administrator | [Schedule a meeting](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) with Caroline Koska | | SMAC Website | [https://swmnarts.org](https://swmnarts.org) | | Mailing Address | PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258, USA |

Quick Support for Artists

Sign in to see full grant listing