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

March 1, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $2,000 per artist; one-time grant per cycle

Supports Indigenous artists in select Minnesota counties for creative projects, materials, and professional development.

Applicants must be enrolled tribal members or descendants residing in eligible counties.

--- ## Description The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Region 2 Arts Council, provides financial support to Indigenous artists who are enrolled tribal members or descendants living in selected Minnesota counties. The grant is intended to help artists fund the exhibition, performance, or production of creative works; purchase materials or equipment for art creation; pursue educational opportunities in the arts (excluding academic credit); or undertake projects that advance their artistic careers. Proposals are reviewed by the AAI Advisory Council, which includes Indigenous artists and arts appreciators from the region. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant award: $2,000 per artist per cycle - Funding is provided as a one-time grant to support eligible project expenses --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be enrolled tribal members or descendants of an Indigenous tribe. - Residency required in one of the following Minnesota counties: Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, or Roseau. - Eligible disciplines include visual, literary, and performing arts; projects must be individual (not group/organization). - Funds may be used for: - Exhibition, performance, or production of creative works - Purchase of materials or equipment for art creation - Educational opportunities in the arts (excluding for-credit academic coursework) - Projects or opportunities that advance the artist’s career --- ## Application Process - Applications open January 1, 2026. - Submit applications online via the [Region 2 Arts Council grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts). - Review the full [program guidelines](https://r2arts.org/access-2-1) before applying. - Required materials include: - Project proposal and budget - Artist resume or background statement - Work samples (1–2 recent pieces) - Applications are reviewed by the AAI Advisory Council. - Awards announced after review; earliest project start date is April 15, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Academic credit coursework is not eligible for funding. - The grant is intended for individual artists, not organizations. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Region 2 Arts Council for assistance or clarification on eligibility and application requirements. --- ## External Links - [Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant information](https://www.fwac.org/individual-artist-grants) - [Region 2 Arts Council (administering partner)](https://r2arts.org/) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Online application portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts) - [Grant guidelines and eligibility](https://r2arts.org/access-2-1) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Contact Name | Email | Phone | Website | |-----------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------| | Region 2 Arts Council | Grants Coordinator | info@r2arts.org | 218-751-5447 | [r2arts.org](https://r2arts.org/) | | Five Wings Arts Council | Vicki Chepulis | vicki@fwac.org | 218-895-5660 / 877-654-2166 | [fwac.org](https://www.fwac.org/) | | McKnight Foundation | Grants Inquiries | [Contact form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | [mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) | ---

Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant - McKnight Foundation

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