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

March 2026

$9,000 per award; up to two awards annually; no match required

Supports professional artists and culture bearers in Minnesota's Region 7E to advance their creative work and career development in any artistic medium.

Applicants must be permanent residents (6+ months) of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine County and at least 18 years old.

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), is intended to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers in Minnesota’s Region 7E. The program provides flexible support for artists to set aside time for their work, purchase supplies and materials, pursue advanced study (not related to a degree), or achieve other artistic career goals. The award is open to artists working in any artistic medium, at any stage of their professional careers, and aims to foster both artistic growth and professional development. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026 (anticipated/projected; full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each Essential Artist Award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are given annually. - No matching funds are required, but demonstrating additional support is encouraged. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following criteria: - Be a professional individual artist or culture bearer (creation of art is a primary endeavor/career). - Permanent resident for at least 6 months in one of these Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine (including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - At least 18 years of age. - U.S. citizen or permanent resident. - No outstanding or unacceptable reports with ECRAC. - No misuse of funds determination with the Minnesota State Arts Board or any MN Regional Arts Council. - Not have received ECRAC’s McKnight funding in the past two years. - Only one active ECRAC grant at a time (except for resiliency grants). - Not applying for college credit, tuition, or degree-related study. - Not proposing activities or uses of funds that are ineligible (see guidelines for full list, e.g., fundraising, relocation, construction, endowments, etc.). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2). - The grant portal typically opens 4–6 weeks prior to the deadline. - Required materials include: - Completed online application form - Detailed project plan and budget (using [ECRAC budget template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx)) - Artistic résumé (and mentor/instructor résumé if applicable) - Work samples (format requirements vary by discipline; see guidelines) - Equipment use plan and quotes (if requesting equipment >$500) - Documentation of residency (if funded) - All application materials must be uploaded via the online portal; emailed or mailed submissions are not accepted. - Contact ECRAC staff for technical assistance or to review draft applications (well in advance of the deadline). --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects must begin after the official start date (typically July 1) and be completed within one year. - Grant funds may be used for artist time, materials, travel (within Minnesota), workshop fees, documentation, and living expenses. - Public events funded by the award must be open and accessible to the general public. - Grantees must credit ECRAC and the McKnight Foundation in publicity. - Grants to individuals are subject to state and federal income tax. --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - [Application Form & Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) - [Equipment Use Plan Example (DOCX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Equipment%20Use%20Plan%20Example%20for%20Artist_0.docx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | ECRAC Office | 320-336-0200 | | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | Website | [https://www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | | Address | 540 Weber Avenue, Suite 109, Hinckley, MN 55037 | ---

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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