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

July 1, 2025 (Application opens) | May 22, 2026 (Submission deadline)

Up to $500 per artist per fiscal year; supports eligible expenses for professional development.

Supports Minnesota artists' skill advancement through funding for classes, supplies, and mentorship.

Applicants must be adult residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN.

--- ## Description The Artist Learning Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), provides financial support for artists seeking to advance their skills and abilities. The grant can be used for tuition and materials for arts classes, workshops, conferences, or non-degree college-level courses, as well as the purchase of equipment or supplies needed to create artwork. Funding may also support time spent with a consultant, mentor, or skilled professional. Projects must begin at least 30 days after submission and be completed within 12 months of approval. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2025: Application period opens — first date applications may be submitted - May 22, 2026: Application submission deadline — last date applications may be submitted Applications are reviewed and approved within 30 days of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $500 per artist per fiscal year - Funds may be used for: - Tuition and materials for arts classes, workshops, conferences, or non-degree courses - Equipment and/or supplies to create artwork - Time with a consultant, mentor, or skilled professional - Awardees must submit receipts for purchases made with grant funds - Grant funds cannot be used for travel expenses (mileage, airfare, lodging, meals), organizational memberships, or courses toward a degree or licensure --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be an artist aged 18 or older - Current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota - Resident of Minnesota for at least six months prior to application - U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien **Not eligible:** - Applicants with overdue CMAB final reports - Current recipients of a CMAB Student Arts Scholarship - Artists living outside Region 7W --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [CMAB grants system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - First-time applicants must create an account. - Application requirements include: - Artist statement (about art, process, and goals) - Work samples with descriptions (format and length requirements vary by discipline) - Detailed description of the learning opportunity and how it will advance artistic skills - Budget outlining eligible and additional expenses - Supporting documentation (e.g., brochures, admission forms) - Proposals must have a start date at least 30 days after submission and be completed within 12 months of approval. - Applications are reviewed by CMAB staff and approved by the Board; a minimum average score of 15/30 is required for funding. - Awardees must submit a contract within 30 days of notification and a final report within 60 days of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - The program is designed for individual artists, not organizations. - Accessibility accommodations are available upon request (e.g., Braille, large print, audio, interpreters). - Awardees receiving $600 or more in total from CMAB in a calendar year will receive an IRS 1099 form. - Failure to submit a final report will result in ineligibility for future CMAB grants until resolved. - An appeal process is available for procedural issues (not for artistic merit or funding decisions). --- ## External Links - [Program & Application Details (Central MN Arts Board)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-learning-grant/) - [FY26 Artist Learning Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26_ArtistLearning_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Apply for a Grant (Online Portal)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [McKnight Foundation Grantmaking](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries| - | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 1-866-825-1471| [Contact CMAB online](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) ---

Artist Learning Grant - McKnight Foundation

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