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

September 17, 2025 (Application) | September 3, 2025 (Draft Review)

Up to $3,500 per grant; single-year funding.

Supports schools and nonprofits in Central MN to fund artist-led residencies that engage students through creative, hands-on learning.

Applicants must serve and be located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W), MN.

--- ## Description The Artist in Residence (AIR) program provides funding for schools and nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota (Region 7W) to support activities led or co-led by artists. The goal is to enhance educational programs and curricula through meaningful collaboration, hands-on activities, and creative engagement. Residencies should balance artist demonstration with interactive learning, enriching the educational experience for students and fostering creativity in community settings. --- ## Due Dates - **Draft Review Deadline:** September 3, 2025 - **Application Deadline:** September 17, 2025 (11:59 pm) - **Board Review:** October 9, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$3,500 per project** - Single-year funding; funds are intended to support the direct costs of the artist residency. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Serve residents of **Region 7W** (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota). - Be one of the following: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations - Community groups with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship - Public schools - Local government entities (city, township, county) Additional requirements: - Projects must take place within the eligible counties. - Fiscal agents may be used if the applicant is not a nonprofit. - Applicants with overdue final reports from previous grants are not eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the Guidelines:** [Read the full guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FY26_ArtistInResidence_Guidelines.pdf) [Download guidelines (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FY26_ArtistInResidence_Guidelines.docx) 2. **Draft Review (optional):** Request a draft review by emailing [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) before September 3, 2025. 3. **Prepare Application:** - Develop a proposal that demonstrates a balance of artist demonstration and hands-on student engagement. - Ensure the artist(s) selected will enhance curriculum and learning outcomes. 4. **Submit Application:** - Apply online via the [Central MN Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) by 11:59 pm on September 17, 2025. 5. **Review & Notification:** - Applications are reviewed by the board on October 9, 2025. - Applicants are notified following the review. **Helpful Resources:** - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Grant Calendar](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be completed within the fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). - Final reports are due within 60 days of project completion. - Accessibility accommodations are available upon request. - Fiscal agents, if used, are legally responsible for grant management and reporting. - Only one application per project is permitted, even for partnerships. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/artist-in-residence/) - [Full Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FY26_ArtistInResidence_Guidelines.pdf) - [Draft Review Request Email](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) - [Grant Portal / Apply Online](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Grant Calendar](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Central MN Arts Board Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Central MN Arts Board](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) | | Phone | 1-866-825-1471 | | Draft Review Requests | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | McKnight Phone | +1 612-333-4220 |

Artist in Residence - McKnight Foundation

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