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

Up to $10,000 per project; maximum $20,000 per organization per year

Supports nonprofit organizations in Southwest Minnesota to create, perform, and promote arts projects that enrich local communities.

Applicants must be located in the 18-county Southwest MN Arts Council region; up to 40% of grant can be used for operating expenses (with restrictions).

--- ## Description This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, units of government, and public schools in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts. Grants may support a wide range of arts activities, including performances, exhibits, classes, festivals, and public art. The program aims to enrich the cultural landscape, foster creativity, and increase access to the arts across the region. --- ## Due Dates - July 9, 2025: Round 1 — Request staff draft review by - July 23, 2025: Round 1 — Application deadline (full application due by 4:00 pm) - October 29, 2025: Round 2 — Request staff draft review by - November 12, 2025: Round 2 — Application deadline (full application due by 4:00 pm) - March 4, 2026: Round 3 — Request staff draft review by - March 18, 2026: Round 3 — Application deadline (full application due by 4:00 pm) Earliest project start dates by round: - Round 1: September 1, 2025 - Round 2: January 1, 2026 - Round 3: May 1, 2026 All projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $10,000 per project - Organizations may receive up to $20,000 in total SMAC grant funding per fiscal year - Up to 40% of the requested amount may be used for prorated operating expenses (restrictions apply) - 100% of funds are disbursed upon contract and project start --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic:** Applicant organizations must be located within the SMAC 18-county region (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, Yellow Medicine) or the Pezihutazizi (Upper Sioux) and Cansayapi (Lower Sioux) tribal communities. - **Organization Type:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofits with MN incorporation - Units of city, county, or tribal government in MN - Public schools (for community-focused projects) - Organizations operating as nonprofits may apply with a fiscal sponsor - **Restrictions:** - No more than 40% of grant funds may be used for operating expenses (and only for eligible arts organizations) - Organizations eligible for MN State Arts Board Operating Support (annual expenses ≥ $174,000) cannot include operating expenses - Non-arts organizations cannot include operating expenses - Applicants must not have overdue SMAC final reports - Projects must be arts-focused, open to the public, and take place within Minnesota --- ## Application Process - **Application Methods:** Apply via the [online grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc), by email (Word form), or by paper submission - **Draft Review:** Optional staff review available if requested at least two weeks before the deadline - **Required Materials:** - Project description and details - Artist resumes/bios and work samples - Project budget (use [budget form](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Org-Art-Project-Budget-Form.xlsx)) - Board list and organizational information - Fiscal sponsor agreement, if applicable - **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed by an arts panel using published [scoring criteria](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-AP-Criteria.pdf); priority points are available for first-time applicants and organizations led by or serving underrepresented groups - **Notification:** All applicants notified by email after board decision --- ## Additional Information - No funds may be expended before the approved project start date - Ineligible activities include fundraising, projects outside MN, religious or political activities, and activities not open to the public - Final report due within 60 days of project end - Priority points may be awarded for first-time applicants, organizations led by or serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, people with disabilities, or applicants from counties with low SMAC grant history --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AP-Guidelines-1.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Grant Calendar (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Grant-Program-Calendar.pdf) - [Scoring Criteria (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-AP-Criteria.pdf) - [Budget Form (XLSX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Org-Art-Project-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [Application Questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AP-App-Questions.docx) - [Grant Workshops & Assistance](https://swmnarts.org/workshops-assistance/) - [Program Page](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-organizations/art-project-grants/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Scheduling/Info | |------------------------------- |-------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------| | SMAC Grants Administrator | info@swmnarts.org | 800-622-5284 | [Schedule with Caroline Koska](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | SMAC Office | info@swmnarts.org | 507-537-1471 | [Contact Form](https://swmnarts.org/contact/) | | McKnight Foundation (Funder) | See [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | |

Art Project Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing