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

April 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | February 1, 2027 | April 1, 2027

Up to $5,000 per project; no match required; up to two grants per school per year.

Supports schools in Minnesota’s Region 7E to enhance K-12 arts curriculum through residencies, field trips, and special projects with a public/community component.

April 1, 2026 deadline is closed due to exhausted funds; next opportunity is October 1, 2026.

--- ## Description The Art in Our Schools Grant, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with support from the McKnight Foundation, is designed to enhance existing arts curricula in public and eligible private (non-parochial) schools located in Region 7E of Minnesota. This region includes Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. The grant funds artistic residencies, arts-related field trips, special arts events, and projects that foster artistic excellence and engage both students and the broader community. All funded projects must include a public, open-to-community component and supplement, not replace, existing curriculum. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Full application deadline — closed for FY 2026 due to exhausted funds. - October 1, 2026: Full application deadline (FY 2027; due by 11:59 p.m.) - February 1, 2027: Full application deadline (FY 2027; due by 11:59 p.m.) - April 1, 2027: Full application deadline (FY 2027; due by 11:59 p.m.) All applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant: **$5,000** per project. - No matching funds required, though a match is encouraged. - Each school may receive up to **two grants per ECRAC fiscal year** (July 1–June 30). - Grants may cover 100% of total project expenses. - Projects must be completed within one year of the deadline date. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Public or private non-parochial elementary, middle, secondary, charter, or community college schools physically located in Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - **Ineligible:** Parochial/religious schools, schools outside Region 7E, and projects previously funded by the school in the prior year. - **Project requirements:** - Must supplement (not supplant) existing curriculum. - Must include a public/community component (e.g., art show, performance). - Cannot fund equipment purchases, capital expenses, or routine school arts activities. - No more than two grants per school per fiscal year. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - Portal opens 4–6 weeks before each deadline. - Required attachments: - Project and artist résumés (max 2 pages each) - Board/advisory member list - Project budget and budget narrative (template provided) - School/department annual budget (1 page) - Residency or field trip schedule - Certification page with signatures from an authorized school official and project director - Work samples and supporting materials - Applications must be complete and submitted online; incomplete or late submissions are ineligible. - Technical assistance is available before the technical assistance deadline (see guidelines). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must start at least 60 days after the deadline and be completed by June 30 of the following year. - All funded activities must be open and accessible to the public and comply with ADA regulations. - Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 60 days of project completion. - Schools may not use funds to pay regular staff salaries, purchase equipment, or cover routine activities. - For detailed guidelines and templates, see the [ECRAC Art in Our Schools Grant page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/art-our-schools-grant). --- ## External Links - [Art in Our Schools Grant Program Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/art-our-schools-grant) - [FY 2026-2027 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Art%20in%20Our%20Schools%20FY%202026-2027%20guidelines%20and%20instructions.pdf) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Art%20in%20Our%20Schools_1.xlsx) - [Residency Schedule Template (DOCX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Art%20in%20Our%20Schools%20Residency%20Schedule.docx) - [Field Trip Schedule Template (DOCX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Art%20in%20Our%20Schools%20Field%20Trip%20Schedule.docx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [ECRAC Contact Page](https://www.ecrac.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | ECRAC Main Office | 540 Weber Ave S, Suite 109, Hinckley, MN 55037 | | Phone | (320) 336-0200 | | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | Website | [www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) |

Art in Our Schools Grant

Sign in to see full grant listing