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

March 20, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $5,000 per project; activities must be completed within 12 months of approval.

Supports nonprofit and cultural groups in Central Minnesota to expand arts access for underserved communities through events and activities.

Applicants must be based in and serve Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties, MN.

--- ## Description The Arts Access Grant program, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board with funding from the McKnight Foundation, provides up to $5,000 to nonprofit arts organizations, cultural nonprofits, and community groups with fiscal sponsorship. The program aims to increase access to arts and cultural experiences for underserved audiences in Minnesota’s Region 7W—specifically targeting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, at-risk youth, and low-income individuals. Funded projects may include performances, exhibitions, workshops, or cultural events that foster inclusive participation and celebrate diverse cultural expressions. --- ## Due Dates - March 20, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications accepted through this date; must be submitted at least 60 days before project start date) Applicants will be notified of a funding decision within 45 days of submission. Activities cannot begin prior to funding notification, and all funded projects must be completed within 12 months of approval. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $5,000 per project - Eligible expenses: Artist fees, art supplies, venue/equipment rental, and other direct project costs (costumes up to $4,999) - Ineligible expenses: General operating support, endowments, equipment, fundraising, and activities outside Minnesota - Each applicant may receive one Arts Access Grant per fiscal year --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants: - Must be located in and serve residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W), Minnesota - Must be one of the following: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization - Cultural nonprofit 501(c)(3) (not primarily arts-focused) - Cultural community group with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship Applicants from historically underrepresented groups (including BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+) are strongly encouraged to apply. Not eligible: - For-profit businesses - K-12 schools, colleges, and universities - Organizations/groups with overdue CMAB grant reports - Applicants who have received an Arts Access Grant in the current fiscal year Project requirements: - Must serve and benefit Region 7W residents - Must have a significant public/community focus and arts as the primary focus - Must identify and serve a specific underserved audience --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the Central MN Arts Board grants portal. - First-time applicants must create an account. - Required materials: - Proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor agreement (with EIN) - Description of the project (written, audio, or video format) - Examples of artistic merit (photos, video, audio, or written) - Detailed proposal expenses and budget - Description of the underserved audience and accessibility plans - Optional: Request a draft review by CMAB staff at least two weeks before submission (contact media@centralmnartsboard.org). - All applicants are notified of the Board’s decision; awardees must sign a contract within 30 days of notification. - A final report is required within 60 days of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the project’s start date. - Projects must be completed within 12 months of board approval. - Strong applications clearly describe the arts experience, community need, and public accessibility. - Funded projects must acknowledge CMAB funding in all publicity. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26_Arts-Access-Grant_Guidelines.pdf) - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/arts-access/) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=eBLsjDIj1ctBgGhM) - [Central MN Arts Board Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) - [Apply for a Grant (Login)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------| | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | 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) | 320-968-4290 ext.4 / 1-866-825-1471 | Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30AM–4:30PM ---

Arts Access Grant

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