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

Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

General operating, project/program, and limited capital support available; award size varies by request and need.

Supports Minnesota-based organizations and initiatives that empower artists and culture bearers across diverse artistic and cultural disciplines.

Contact program staff before applying to confirm fit; decisions typically within three months.

--- ## Description The McKnight Foundation's Arts & Culture program offers grants to organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations that provide support structures for working artists and culture bearers. The goal is to strengthen Minnesota’s arts ecosystem by nurturing creative expression, cultural leadership, and justice across a wide range of disciplines and communities. Funding is available for general operations, specific programs or projects, and, in limited cases, capital needs. The program also works with partners to offer fellowships and regranting opportunities for individual artists. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. - Decisions are generally made within three months of submission. - For funding needed within the current calendar year, submit by September 1 to avoid year-end delays. --- ## Funding Amount - Grants support general operating expenses, specific programs/projects, and limited capital needs. - Award size is flexible and based on the scope of the request and organizational need. - No specified minimum or maximum; multi-year support may be considered. --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations primarily based in Minnesota. - Limited grants may be made outside Minnesota if there is a clear benefit to Minnesota artists and culture bearers. - Both tax-exempt nonprofits and non-501(c)(3) entities are eligible; nonprofit status is not mandatory. - Government entities, including Tribal Nations, may apply for unique programs or projects (not for activities that are the sole responsibility of government). - Organizations must pay artists/culture bearers and focus on producing/creating art, not just presenting. - The program does not fund: scholarships, assistance to individuals, conferences, endowments, lobbying prohibited by IRS rules, or activities with a religious purpose. - Generally does not fund organizations at the very beginning of their formation. --- ## Application Process - Review [program approach](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/our-approach/) and [funding FAQs](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/). - Contact the Arts & Culture team (email below) to discuss fit before submitting. - Submit the application through the [online portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/46c73ec6-4823-4c70-91a0-59e28e572c28). - Prepare organizational and project information, including financials, DEI demographics, and support structures for artists/culture bearers. - Preview application questions via [PDF](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-PDF-Version.pdf) or [Word](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-Word-Version-1.docx). - Expect a decision within three months; some year-end applications may take longer. --- ## Additional Information - Individual artists should explore [McKnight Artist Fellowships](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-artist-fellowships/), [Distinguished Artist Award](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/), [Regional Arts Councils](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/regional-arts-councils/), and [Forecast Public Art grants](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/). - The program prioritizes organizations supporting underrepresented artists, rural communities, and those advancing justice. - See [our approach](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/our-approach/) for funding priorities and principles. --- ## External Links - [Arts & Culture Grants – How to Apply](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/how-to-apply/) - [Arts & Culture Program Overview](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/) - [Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) - [Online Application Portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/46c73ec6-4823-4c70-91a0-59e28e572c28) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-PDF-Version.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Email | orasmussen@mcknight.org | | Phone | +1 612-333-4220 | | Funder Website | [https://www.mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) | | Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) |

Arts & Culture Grants

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