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

Up to $4,000 per project; single-year funding; projects must conclude by June 30, 2026.

Supports public schools in Southwest Minnesota for arts projects such as artist residencies, field trips, and student art exhibits.

Applications are due the 1st of each month (August–May) or until funds are expended.

--- ## Description This grant program provides funding to public schools and community education organizations in the Southwest Minnesota region for arts-related projects. Eligible activities include artist residencies, arts field trips, juried student art exhibits, and similar initiatives that enhance arts education and engagement. Projects must be open to all students within a grade, subject, or activity, and should include a component that involves the broader community (e.g., public exhibits, community classes, or artist meet-and-greets). The program is designed to supplement or enhance regular school arts programming, not replace it, and aims to foster inclusive, accessible, and high-quality arts experiences for students. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on the **1st of each month** from August 2024 through May 2025, or until available funds are expended. - Applicants are encouraged to request a staff draft review at least one week before the deadline. - Board funding decisions are made on the 4th Tuesday of each month. - The earliest project start date is the first day of the month following the application deadline. - All projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** Up to $4,000 per project. - **Funding is for single-year projects.** - 100% of the grant award is disbursed upon contract signing and project start. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic:** Applicant schools must be located within the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) service region, which includes 18 counties (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, Yellow Medicine) and two tribal nations (Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux Communities). - **Applicants:** Public schools and community education organizations. - **Ineligible:** Parochial schools, for-profit organizations, projects outside Minnesota, and activities not focused on the arts. - **Projects must:** Be open to all students in a grade/subject/activity, not be exclusive, and include a community engagement component. --- ## Application Process - **How to apply:** - Submit via the [online grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - Or by email (Word document and attachments) to [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) - Or by mail to PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258 (contact for drop-off options) - **Required materials:** - Project budget - Artist resumes or bios - Sample artist lesson plan (if applicable) - Samples of artist’s or organization’s work - Optional: Evaluation tool - **Review process:** - Applications are checked for eligibility and completeness. - A panel reviews and scores applications based on feasibility, artistic quality, and impact. - Priority points are awarded for first-time applicants, underserved communities, and applicants from underrepresented counties. - Board makes final funding decisions. --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting:** A final report is required within 60 days of project completion. - **Acknowledgement:** Grantees must credit SMAC and the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund in all publicity. - **Accessibility:** Accommodations are available for applicants needing alternative formats or assistance. - **Draft review:** Staff can review draft applications if requested at least one week before the deadline. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application](https://swmnarts.org/grants/grants-for-schools-youth/arts-in-the-schools-grants-2/) - [Full Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-AIS-Guidelines.pdf) - [Online Grant System](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Application Questions (Word)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AIS-App-Questions.docx) - [Budget Form (Excel)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-Organization-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [Scoring Criteria (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AIS-Criteria.pdf) - [Scoring Rubric (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FY25-AIS-Scoring-Rubric.pdf) - [Grant Workshops & Assistance](https://swmnarts.org/workshops-assistance/) - [Video Tutorial for Online Grant System](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) - [FY 2025 Grant Calendar (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FY25-Grant-Program-Calendar.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | Scheduling/Info | |---------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Caroline Koska | Grants Administrator | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | 800-622-5284 | [Schedule a meeting](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | SW MN Arts Council | General Inquiries | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | 507-537-1471 | [Contact page](https://swmnarts.org/contact/) |

Arts in the Schools Grants

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