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

Up to $4,000 per project; projects must conclude by June 30, 2027.

Supports public school arts projects (e.g., artist residencies, field trips, student exhibits) to enrich students' educational experiences in Southwest Minnesota.

Monthly deadlines (1st of each month, August–May); earliest project start is 1st of the following month; only public schools/community ed in SW MN region eligible.

--- ## Description This grant program provides funding for public schools in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region to implement arts-related projects such as artist residencies, field trips to arts venues, and juried student art exhibits. The primary aim is to enrich students’ educational experiences through direct engagement with the arts, fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and artistic skills. Projects should be inclusive, accessible to all students within a grade, subject, or activity, and should involve the broader community where possible (e.g., public exhibits, community events). --- ## Due Dates - January 25, 2026: Request staff draft review (for February 1 deadline) - February 1, 2026: Full application deadline (monthly deadline; applications due by 4:00 pm) - February 22, 2026: Request staff draft review (for March 1 deadline) - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline (monthly deadline; applications due by 4:00 pm) - March 25, 2026: Request staff draft review (for April 1 deadline) - April 1, 2026: Full application deadline (monthly deadline; applications due by 4:00 pm) - April 24, 2026: Request staff draft review (for May 1 deadline) - May 1, 2026: Full application deadline (monthly deadline; applications due by 4:00 pm) Applications are reviewed monthly (1st of each month, August–May) while funds remain. Request a staff draft review at least one week before the application deadline. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: **$4,000 per project** - No match required - Projects must break even (not generate profit) - Grant funds may not cover more than 90% of the total project’s cash expenses if combined with Minnesota State Arts Board support --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Public schools and community education programs located in the 18-county SMAC region (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, Lower Sioux) - **Ineligible:** Parochial schools, for-profit entities, organizations outside the SMAC region, projects substituting for regular curriculum, projects outside Minnesota, and those with past due SMAC reports - Projects must be open to all students within a grade/subject/activity (not selective or exclusive) - Community involvement is required (e.g., public exhibit, community event) --- ## Application Process - **How to apply:** - Online via the [SMAC grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - By email (Word document and attachments) to [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) - By mail (PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258) or arrange drop-off - **Required materials:** - Completed application form - Project budget ([Budget form](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Organization-Budget-Form.xlsx)) - Artist resumes or bios - Sample lesson plan (if applicable) - Work samples (attachments or links) - Optional: evaluation tool - **Draft review:** Strongly encouraged; request at least one week before deadline - **Review process:** Staff eligibility check, panel review (scored for feasibility, artistic merit, and impact), board approval --- ## Additional Information - **Earliest project start date:** 1st day of the month after the application deadline - **Project end date:** No later than June 30, 2027 - **Final report:** Due within 60 days of project completion - **Scoring:** Weighted on feasibility (15%), artistic quality/merit (53%), and impact (32%) - **Priority points:** For first-time applicants, organizations led by/serving underrepresented communities, or from underfunded counties - **Ineligible expenses:** School personnel (except substitutes), regular curriculum, out-of-state activities, fundraising, construction, deficits, or regranting --- ## External Links - [Program page and guidelines](https://swmnarts.org/grants/grants-for-schools-youth/arts-in-the-schools-grants-2/) - [FY2026 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AIS-Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-AIS-App-Questions.docx) - [Budget Form (XLSX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-Organization-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [Scoring Criteria (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-AIS-Criteria.pdf) - [Scoring Rubric (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-AIS-Scoring-Rubric.pdf) - [Online Grant System](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Grant Workshops & Assistance](https://swmnarts.org/workshops-assistance/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Scheduling/Info | |----------------------|----------------------------------|------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Grants Administrator | info@swmnarts.org | 800-622-5284 | [Schedule with Caroline Koska](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | SMAC Office | info@swmnarts.org | 507-537-1471 | [SMAC Website](http://www.swmnarts.org) | For technical questions or assistance, contact SMAC staff or schedule a meeting with the grants administrator.

Arts in the Schools Grants

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