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

Up to $10,000 per project; organizations may receive a maximum of $20,000 per year across all SMAC grants.

Supports nonprofit and public organizations in Southwest Minnesota to create, present, and promote community arts projects.

Applicants must be located in the SMAC region (18 counties, 2 tribal nations); operating expenses capped at 40% of request.

--- ## Description This grant program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, units of government, public schools (for community-focused projects), and fiscally sponsored groups in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts. Supported activities include performances, exhibits, festivals, classes, and public art, as well as limited operating expenses directly related to the project. The intent is to enrich local communities, increase public engagement with the arts, and foster cultural vitality in the region. --- ## Due Dates - July 9, 2025: Request staff draft review by (Round 1) - July 23, 2025: Application deadline (Round 1) — applications due by 4:00 pm - October 29, 2025: Request staff draft review by (Round 2) - November 12, 2025: Application deadline (Round 2) — applications due by 4:00 pm - March 4, 2026: Request staff draft review by (Round 3) - March 18, 2026: Application deadline (Round 3) — applications due by 4:00 pm Earliest project start dates: September 1, 2025 (Round 1), January 1, 2026 (Round 2), May 1, 2026 (Round 3). All applications must be submitted by 4:00 pm on the deadline date. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $10,000 per project. - Organizations may receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year across all SMAC grant programs. - Arts organizations may include up to 40% of their grant request for prorated operating expenses (restrictions apply). - Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic restriction:** Applicant organizations must be located in one of 18 counties or 2 tribal nations in the SMAC region. - **Eligible applicants:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with Minnesota incorporation - Units of city, county, or state government in Minnesota - Public schools (for community projects, not regular curriculum) - Groups applying through a fiscal sponsor that meets eligibility requirements - **Ineligible applicants/activities:** - For-profit entities - Projects without an arts focus - Educational projects within school systems (see separate Arts in the Schools grants) - Projects outside Minnesota or not open to the public - Fundraising events, religious socialization, or legislative advocacy - Organizations receiving a direct state legislative appropriation for arts in FY26 --- ## Application Process - **Submission methods:** Online grant system, email (Word document), or paper application. - **Draft review:** Optional staff draft review available if requested by the draft review date (recommended). - **Required materials:** - Project description - Artist resumes/bios and work samples - Project budget (use provided [budget form](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Org-Art-Project-Budget-Form.xlsx)) - List of board members - Demographic and organizational data - Fiscal sponsor agreement (if applicable) - **Review process:** Applications are reviewed for eligibility, then scored by a panel using published criteria (artistic merit, impact, outreach, organizational capacity). - **Notification:** Applicants are notified after board action; contracts must be signed within 30 days. --- ## Additional Information - **Operating expenses:** No more than 40% of the grant request may be for operating costs, and only for eligible arts organizations not already receiving state operating support. - **Priority points:** Additional scoring points for first-time applicants, organizations led by or primarily serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, or people with disabilities, and applicants from underrepresented counties. - **Final report:** Due within 60 days after project completion. - **Accessibility:** Projects must be inclusive and ADA accessible; applicants should address outreach to underserved/underrepresented groups. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AP-Guidelines-1.pdf) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Grant Program Page](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-organizations/art-project-grants/) - [Scoring Criteria (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-AP-Criteria.pdf) - [Application Questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AP-App-Questions.docx) - [Grant Calendar (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Grant-Program-Calendar.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) \| 507-537-1471 \| 800-622-5284 | | Grants Administrator | [Schedule with Caroline Koska](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | Mailing Address | PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258 | | Program Website | [www.swmnarts.org](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-organizations/art-project-grants/) | ---

Art Project Grants - McKnight Foundation

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