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

Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

General operating, program/project, and limited capital grants; award size and duration vary by request.

Supports organizations and initiatives that empower artists and culture bearers, primarily in Minnesota, through flexible and project-based funding.

Contact program staff before applying to discuss fit; most grants are for Minnesota-based work.

--- ## Description The McKnight Foundation's Arts & Culture program provides funding to organizations, groups, Tribal Nations, and, through regranting partners, individual artists and culture bearers. The program aims to strengthen the support structures that enable artists to practice, produce, and lead within their communities. Funding is primarily directed to Minnesota-based work, but limited grants are available for projects outside Minnesota that clearly benefit Minnesota artists and culture bearers. The program offers general operating (unrestricted), program/project (restricted), and limited capital grants (typically for current grantees). The Foundation also partners with organizations to provide fellowships and regranting opportunities for individual artists. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from BIPOC-led organizations and those advancing equity in the arts. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. - Decisions are typically made within three months of submission. - For funding needed within the current calendar year, submit by September 1 to avoid year-end delays. --- ## Funding Amount - No fixed minimum or maximum award; funding is tailored to the needs and scope of each request. - Supports general operating, program/project, and (for current grantees) limited capital expenses. - Multiyear and multi-type support requests are considered. - Applicants specify the amount and duration in their proposal. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Nonprofit organizations (IRS tax-exempt status preferred but not required) - Groups and fiscally sponsored projects - Tribal Nations and government entities (for unique programs/projects) - Individual artists: via partner fellowships and regranting programs (not direct grants) - **Geography:** - Primarily Minnesota; limited grants for work outside Minnesota if it benefits Minnesota artists/culture bearers. - **Types of support:** - General operating, program/project, and limited capital grants. - **Ineligible requests:** - Scholarships, direct assistance to individuals, conferences, endowments, prohibited lobbying, religious activities, organizations at the very beginning of formation, projects that do not pay artists/culture bearers, or those focused primarily on presenting (not producing) art, youth, arts education, or social services. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** - Read the [program approach](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/our-approach/) and [funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/). 2. **Contact Program Staff:** - Email or call the Arts & Culture team to discuss your organization's fit before applying. 3. **Prepare Application:** - Preview the application ([PDF](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf), [Word](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-Word-Version.docx)). - Gather required documents: current year budget, statement of activities, and (if applicable) detailed project budget. - Complete demographic and DEI information. 4. **Submit Online:** - Apply via the [McKnight grant portal](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35066). 5. **Review Timeline:** - Expect a decision within three months; allow extra time for year-end submissions. --- ## Additional Information - **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:** The application requests detailed demographic data and information on DEI efforts. BIPOC-led organizations are encouraged to apply. - **Support Structures:** Applicants should describe how their work provides training, advocacy, market access, material support, networks, or information to artists and culture bearers. - **Individual Artists:** Direct funding is not available, but artists can access support through [McKnight Artist Fellowships](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-artist-fellowships/), [Distinguished Artists Award](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/), [Regional Arts Councils](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/regional-arts-councils/), and [Forecast Public Art’s grants](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/). --- ## External Links - [McKnight Foundation Arts & Culture Program Overview](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/how-to-apply/) - [Program Approach](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/our-approach/) - [Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) - [Preview Application (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf) - [Preview Application (Word)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-Word-Version.docx) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35066) - [McKnight Artist Fellowships](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-artist-fellowships/) - [Distinguished Artists Award](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/) - [Regional Arts Councils](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/regional-arts-councils/) - [Forecast Public Art’s Artist Support](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | Arts & Culture Program | [orasmussen@mcknight.org](mailto:orasmussen@mcknight.org) | | Phone | +1 612-333-4220 | | Grant Portal Support | [Grant Portal](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35066) |