Art Project Grants
Supports arts projects and community engagement in Southwest Minnesota, funding performances, exhibits, and classes to enrich and expand access to the arts.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (staff draft review, Round 1) | July 15, 2026 (application, Round 1) | October 7, 2026 (staff draft review, Round 2) | October 21, 2026 (application, Round 2) | January 6, 2027 (staff draft review, Round 3) | January 20, 2027 (application, Round 3) | March 31, 2027 (staff draft review, Round 4) | April 14, 2027 (application, Round 4)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per project; maximum $20,000 in SMAC grants per organization per fiscal year.
Summary: Supports nonprofit and public organizations in Southwest Minnesota to create, perform, and promote arts projects that enrich community life.
Key Information: Only organizations in the 18-county SMAC region or listed tribal nations are eligible; up to 40% of the grant may be used for operating expenses (arts orgs only).
Description
This grant supports nonprofit organizations, public entities, and fiscal sponsor arrangements within the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts. Funding is intended for a broad range of projects—such as performances, exhibits, festivals, and community arts classes—that foster cultural enrichment and expand access to the arts in the region. The program also supports limited operating expenses for eligible arts organizations, with the goal of enhancing local arts engagement and organizational capacity.
