Art Project Grants
This grant funds organizations in Southwest Minnesota to create, perform, and promote arts projects that enrich and engage communities through various artistic initiatives.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (Draft Review, Round 1) | July 15, 2026 (Application, Round 1) | October 7, 2026 (Draft Review, Round 2) | October 21, 2026 (Application, Round 2) | January 6, 2027 (Draft Review, Round 3) | January 20, 2027 (Application, Round 3) | March 31, 2027 (Draft Review, Round 4) | April 14, 2027 (Application, Round 4)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per project; max $20,000 in SMAC grants per fiscal year per organization.
Summary: Supports organizations in Southwest Minnesota to create, perform, and promote arts projects for community enrichment and engagement.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in the 18-county SMAC region or listed tribal nations; up to 40% of the grant may be used for operating expenses (arts orgs only).
Description
This grant program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts. The funding supports a broad range of arts projects—including performances, exhibits, festivals, classes (excluding in-school projects), and public art—aimed at enhancing the visibility, impact, and accessibility of the arts in communities. Organizations may also include a portion of their general operating expenses in their funding request if they are arts-focused nonprofits.
