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

Rolling

No fixed maximum; general operating, project, and limited capital grants available. Most recent annual program outlay: $11M across 159 grants.

Supports Minnesota organizations that help working artists and culture bearers develop, share, and lead, with an emphasis on equity, community, and creative growth.

Applicants should contact program staff before applying to confirm fit.

--- ## Description The McKnight Foundation’s Arts & Culture Grants program is designed to catalyze the creativity, power, and leadership of Minnesota working artists and culture bearers. Funding is provided to organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations that offer support structures—such as training, professional development, advocacy, and networks—enabling artists and culture bearers to thrive, lead, and contribute to vibrant, equitable communities. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and seeks to advance a just, creative, and abundant future for people and the planet. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. - Decision timeframe: typically within three months of submission. - For consideration in the current calendar year, submit by September 1. --- ## Funding Amount - No set maximum; requests should be appropriate for the scale and impact of the organization or project. - Types of support: - General operating (unrestricted) - Program/project (restricted) - Limited capital grants (typically for current grantees) - In 2024, the program distributed $11 million across 159 grants. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations primarily serving Minnesota working artists and culture bearers. - Limited grants outside Minnesota are possible if there is clear benefit to Minnesota artists and culture bearers. - Government entities (including Tribal Nations) may apply for unique programs/projects, but not for activities that are the sole responsibility of government. - Nonprofit status (IRS 501(c)(3)) is typical but not strictly required; fiscally sponsored projects are eligible. - Organizations must pay the artists and/or culture bearers they support. - Preference for organizations that are established (not at the very beginning of formation). - **Not eligible:** Scholarships, endowments, prohibited lobbying, religious activities, primarily presenting (vs. producing/creating) art, singular events/exhibitions, primarily youth/arts education/social service organizations, or requests for support of activities outside program interests. --- ## Application Process - **Contact program staff:** Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their fit with the Arts & Culture team before submitting. - **One-step online application:** Preview the [application form (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf). - Required documents: - Current year organizational budget - Statement of activities (income and expenses, YTD actuals vs. budget) - For program/project/capital/multi-type requests: detailed project budget for the first year - Demographic and DEI information required. - Applications reviewed and decided within three months (may take longer for Q4 submissions). --- ## Additional Information - The program values organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Applicants must demonstrate clear support structures for artists/culture bearers (e.g., training, advocacy, networks). - Funding is not available for lobbying to influence specific legislation, endowments, or scholarships. - Fiscally sponsored groups may apply using the sponsor’s legal and financial information. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/) - [How to Apply](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/how-to-apply/) - [Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) - [Preview Application Form (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf) - [Start Application](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/46c73ec6-4823-4c70-91a0-59e28e572c28) - [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------| | Olivia Rasmussen, Program & Grants Associate | orasmussen@mcknight.org | +1 612-333-4220 | | DeAnna Cummings, Program Director | dcummings@mcknight.org | | | Sarah Berger, Senior Program Officer | sberger@mcknight.org | | | Bao Phi, Program Officer | bphi@mcknight.org | | | Caroline Taiwo, Program Officer | ctaiwo@mcknight.org | | | Pono Asuncion, Program Administrator | kasuncion@mcknight.org | |

Arts & Culture Grants - McKnight Foundation

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