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

July 11, 2024 (Application opens) | May 23, 2025 (Application closes)

Up to $500 per artist per fiscal year; funds must be used within 12 months of approval.

Supports artists in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (MN) to enhance their skills through classes, equipment, or mentorship.

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed activity start date.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides individual artists residing in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota with up to $500 to support their professional development. Funding can be used for non-degree arts classes, workshops, conferences, equipment, supplies, or time with a mentor or consultant. The program is designed to nurture artists’ skills, expand their opportunities, and help them create, showcase, and profit from their work. --- ## Due Dates - **Application opens:** July 11, 2024 - **Application closes:** May 23, 2025 - Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the proposed activity. - Applications are reviewed and approved within 30 days of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum request:** $500 per artist per fiscal year - **Eligible expenses:** Tuition and materials for arts classes, workshops, conferences, or non-degree college courses; equipment and/or supplies to make artwork; time with a consultant, mentor, or skilled professional. - **Project period:** Activities must be completed within 12 months of approval. - **Receipts required:** Awardees must submit receipts for all purchases made with grant funds. --- ## Eligibility - Artists must be **18 years or older**. - Must be a **current resident** of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota, for at least six months prior to application. - Must be a **U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien**. - Artists using a fiscal agent may apply. - **Not eligible:** - Artists with overdue final reports from previous CMAB grants. - Current recipients of a CMAB Student Arts Scholarship. - Artists living outside Region 7W. - Proposals for degree-seeking courses, professional licensure requirements, organization memberships, or travel expenses (mileage, airfare, lodging, meals). --- ## Application Process - **How to apply:** - Submit online via the [Central MN Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - First-time applicants must create an account (see [Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991)). - **Required materials:** - Work samples with descriptions (see guidelines for format and length). - Artist statement (up to 1500 characters). - Description of the learning opportunity and its impact on your artistic goals. - Budget breakdown for eligible expenses. - **Review process:** - Applications are scored on artistic merit/quality and ability/need (total 30 points; minimum average of 15 required for funding). - Final approval by Central MN Arts Board directors. - **Reporting:** - Final report due within 60 days of project completion. - Failure to submit a final report will make the applicant ineligible for future grants until resolved. --- ## Additional Information - The Central MN Arts Board can provide application materials in alternative formats (Braille, large print, audio) and arrange for language interpreters with 10 days’ notice. - Awardees receiving $600 or more in a calendar year will receive an IRS 1099 form and are responsible for any taxes owed. - Appeals are allowed only for procedural issues, not for disagreements about artistic merit or funding decisions. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25_ArtistLearning_Guidelines.pdf) - [Draft Application (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25_ArtistLearning_Guidelines.doc) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) - [Central MN Arts Board – For Artists](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/) - [Eligibility & Program Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-learning-grant/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Central MN Arts Board | 220 4th Ave North, PO Box 458, Foley, MN 56329 | | Phone | 320-968-4290 or 1-866-825-1471 | | Email | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | | General Info | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) | | Funder (McKnight) | [Contact McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

Artist Learning Grant

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