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

Rolling

Varies; typically general operating or project grants; decisions within 3 months of application

Supports organizations and partners that empower artists and culture bearers to practice, produce, and lead across diverse artistic disciplines.

Primarily for Minnesota-based organizations; limited grants outside Minnesota if benefiting MN artists/culture bearers.

--- ## Description The McKnight Foundation’s Arts & Culture program funds organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations that strengthen the support structures for artists and culture bearers. The program’s goal is to foster a vibrant, equitable arts ecosystem that values and advances artistic practice and cultural leadership. Funding is available for general operating support, specific programs or projects, and, on a limited basis, capital needs. The Foundation also works with key partners to provide fellowships and regranting opportunities for individual artists. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. - Applicants are encouraged to submit by September 1 if funding is needed within the current calendar year, as year-end reviews may take longer. - Decisions are typically made within three months of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - Funding amounts vary based on project scope and organizational size. - Grants may be for general operating support (unrestricted) or specific projects/programs (restricted). - Limited capital grants are available, typically for current grantees. - Payment is generally made soon after approval. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Nonprofit organizations, groups, and Tribal Nations primarily located in Minnesota. - Limited grants are available to organizations outside Minnesota if the project clearly benefits Minnesota artists or culture bearers. - Government entities, including Tribal Nations, may apply for unique programs/projects (not for activities traditionally the sole responsibility of government). - Nonprofit status is not required; organizations without IRS nonprofit status may be eligible—contact staff for guidance. - **What is funded:** - General operating and program/project support. - Limited capital support for current grantees. - **What is not funded:** - Projects that do not pay artists/culture bearers. - Activities that primarily present (rather than create/produce) art. - One-off events, exhibitions, conferences, or festivals. - Projects primarily serving youth, arts education, or social services. - Scholarships, endowment creation/growth, or prohibited lobbying. - Organizations at the very beginning of their formation. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Eligibility and Approach:** - Read the [Arts & Culture program approach](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/our-approach/) and [funding FAQs](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/). 2. **Contact Program Staff:** - Contact the Arts & Culture team ([email](mailto:orasmussen@mcknight.org)) before applying to discuss fit and clarify questions. 3. **Prepare Application:** - Preview the application ([PDF](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf) | [Word](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application-Word-Version.docx)). 4. **Submit Online:** - [Start the application](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35066) via the McKnight website. 5. **Review Process:** - Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a typical decision timeline of three months. - For year-end funding, submit by September 1. --- ## Additional Information - Current grantees can [log in to manage applications or reporting](https://www.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2faccountmanager.aspx%3fSA%3dAM%26sid%3d1082&SA=AM&sid=1082). - Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) demographic information is collected as part of the application. [Learn more](https://www.mcknight.org/news-ideas/next-steps-on-dei-collecting-better-data-for-greater-impact/). - Communication and branding guidelines are available for grantees wishing to publicize their grant ([Brand Guidelines PDF](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/McKnight_Brand_Identity_Guidelines.pdf)). - For individual artists, funding is available through [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’s grants](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/). --- ## External Links - [Arts & Culture Program: 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/) - [Preview Application (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Arts-and-Culture-Application.pdf) - [Start Application](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35066) - [McKnight Artist Fellowships](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-artist-fellowships/) - [Regional Arts Councils](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/regional-arts-councils/) - [Forecast Public Art Grants](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/) - [Contact McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------| | Arts & Culture Program | [orasmussen@mcknight.org](mailto:orasmussen@mcknight.org) | +1 612-333-4220 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | |

Arts & Culture Grants - McKnight Foundation

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