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

March 1, 2025 (Application deadline)

$3,000–$10,000 for a 12-month period (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

Provides general operating support to small, established nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7E.

Only one Essentials Support grant per organization per year; annual organizational budget must not exceed $174,000.

--- ## Description This grant, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with support from the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, offers general operating support to nonprofit arts organizations in Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). The program is designed to help organizations maintain ongoing operations, rather than fund specific projects or events. Eligible expenses include facility costs, utilities, supplies, equipment, insurance, general advertising, memberships, and up to 50% of the grant request for staffing costs. --- ## Due Dates - **Application deadline:** March 1, 2025 (11:59 PM) - **Grant period:** July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award range:** $3,000 to $10,000 per organization - **Duration:** 12 months (annual grant cycle) - **No matching funds required** - Only one Essentials Support grant may be awarded per organization per year. --- ## Eligibility Organizations must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization physically located in Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, or Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - Have a primary mission of producing, presenting, or providing arts services. - Have at least two years of arts programming and at least one year as a designated 501(c)(3). - Annual organizational budget must not exceed $174,000. - Must primarily serve Region 7E audiences. - Not be a current Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grantee. - Not be a school, college/university, library, museum, historical society, or non-arts-focused organization. - Must be open to the public and ADA accessible. **Ineligible applicants/activities include:** - For-profit entities, individuals, or organizations outside Region 7E. - Specific arts projects or events (apply to other ECRAC programs for these). - Fundraising, endowments, new building construction, or real property purchases. - More than 50% of the grant request for staffing. - Activities outside Minnesota or not arts/culture related. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Download and read the [Essentials Support Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202024-2025_1.pdf). 2. **Register/Log In:** Access the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) to create an account or log in. 3. **Prepare Application:** Complete the online application form. Required attachments include: - Organization and board résumés - Board member information - Annual organization budget - Signed certification page - Up to 2 brochures (PDF) - For equipment requests over $500: 3 price quotes (one from a Minnesota vendor) and an equipment use plan 4. **Submit:** Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on March 1, 2025. Late or incomplete applications are ineligible. 5. **Review:** Applications are reviewed by ECRAC staff and board. Applicants are encouraged to attend the review meeting (no additional information may be provided at that time). 6. **Notification:** Funding decisions are typically communicated within 30 days of the board’s decision. --- ## Additional Information - **Eligible expenses:** General operating costs, board/staff training, planning consultations (not fundraising), equipment (with restrictions), ADA compliance, memberships, and in-state travel for professional development. - **Staffing costs:** Up to 50% of the grant request may be allocated to staffing. - **Reporting:** Grantees must submit a final report within 30 days of the project end date, documenting use of funds and evaluation of outcomes. - **Technical assistance:** ECRAC offers grant writing support and information sessions. Contact staff well in advance for help. --- ## External Links - [Essentials Support Grant Program Page (ECRAC)](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/essentials-support-grant) - [Essentials Support Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202024-2025_1.pdf) - [ECRAC Grant Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ecrac.org/manage-my-grant/frequently-asked-questions) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ECRAC Main Office | 540 Weber Avenue South, Suite 109, Hinckley, MN 55037 | | Phone | (320) 336-0200 | | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | ECRAC Website | [https://www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) \| Phone: +1 612-333-4220 |

Essentials Support Grant

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