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

March 15, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $5,000 per project; one-year grant term; a portion reserved for rural organizations

Supports Minnesota-based organizations to create, present, or exhibit arts activities that engage and benefit local communities.

Project must occur in ARAC’s 7-county/4-tribal-nation region; only one application per project/program.

--- ## Description This program funds arts organizations and eligible entities in Minnesota to support the creation, presentation, and exhibition of artistic works or arts events that provide value to their communities. The grant is designed to foster a vibrant arts ecosystem, emphasizing artistic vision, community impact, and the capacity of organizations to execute their proposed activities. Projects may include exhibitions, performances, residencies, workshops, arts learning, and other creative endeavors that enhance public engagement and cultural enrichment. A percentage of funding is reserved for rural organizations. --- ## Due Dates - March 15, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 11:59 p.m.) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $5,000 per project - Grant term: One year - A portion of funds is reserved for rural organizations - Only one application per project or program will be considered for funding --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be one of the following within Minnesota: - IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a fiscal sponsor with such status - College, university, or other established higher education institution - Public or private school serving pre-K through 12th grade students - Tribal government - Project activities must take place within the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) service area: - Counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Lake, Koochiching, St. Louis - Tribal nations: Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Bois Forte, Leech Lake (within Itasca County) - The organization must: - Produce or present arts programs, services, or projects relevant and accessible to its community - Have operated as an arts organization or program for at least one full fiscal year and provide a financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year - Only one application per project or program per cycle **Ineligible applicants/uses include:** - Organizations receiving Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board or direct state appropriations - For-profit entities - General operating support, re-granting, scholarships, primarily recreational/therapeutic activities, travel outside Minnesota, capital improvements (except ADA compliance), equipment exceeding 50% of request, activities not open to the public, political or religious activities --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically through the [ARAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil) - Applicants must create an account to begin the application - All submissions require an electronic signature - Deadline is firm; late applications will not be accepted - Staff support and advisement are available (requests for feedback must be made at least two weeks prior to the deadline) - Required materials include a project narrative, work samples, resumes/bios, budget, and a financial statement - Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness by ARAC staff, then evaluated by a peer review panel - Notification of results is expected by May 22, 2026; earliest project start date is July 1, 2026 --- ## Additional Information - Grant recipients must comply with nondiscrimination laws (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, Age Discrimination Act) - Grantees must maintain accurate records, credit ARAC and relevant funders per [logo guidelines](https://aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines), and file a final report - Any significant changes to the funded project require written approval from ARAC - For application assistance, contact [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) or [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/art-project-grant) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil) - [ARAC Logo Guidelines](https://aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - [Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Home](https://www.aracouncil.org/) - [McKnight Foundation Home](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Notes | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------| | ARAC General Inquiries | [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) | (218) 722-0952 | Staff available Mon–Fri, 9–5 | | Grant Advisement | [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) | | For application feedback/support | ---

Art Project Grant - McKnight Foundation

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