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

January 15, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | July 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026

Up to $5,000 per project; typically covers up to 75% of total project cash costs.

Supports arts projects that create, promote, or enhance artistic experiences in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties in Minnesota.

--- ## Description The Community Arts Access Project Grant, administered by the Five Wings Arts Council with funding from the McKnight Foundation, provides financial support for the creation, production, and promotion of arts activities in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties, Minnesota. The program aims to enhance local or regional artists and arts organizations, or to bring high-quality arts experiences to these communities through events, productions, guest artists, organizational development, publications, workshops, and classes. Projects must demonstrate artistic quality, community relevance, and organizational capability. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2026: Community Arts Access Project Grant application deadline - April 15, 2026: Community Arts Access Project Grant application deadline - July 15, 2026: Community Arts Access Project Grant application deadline - October 15, 2026: Community Arts Access Project Grant application deadline Applications are reviewed quarterly. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline date; late submissions will not be considered. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant award: $5,000 per project. - Grants can cover up to 75% of the total project cash costs. - A 25% cash match is typically required, but this requirement has been temporarily removed due to economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants are still encouraged to include any matching funds in their budget. - Funds cannot be used for ineligible expenses such as receptions, prizes, permanent fixtures, or expenses incurred before the project start date. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants must be:** - A Minnesota non-profit, tax-exempt organization (501(c)(3)) with Articles of Incorporation on file with the State of Minnesota, **OR** - A public school, or a governmental unit/department/agency of the State of Minnesota. - Organizations that do not meet these criteria may apply using a fiscal agent that meets the requirements. - **Project eligibility:** - Projects must take place within Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, or Wadena counties. - Eligible projects include arts creation, production, events, guest artist residencies, organizational development, publications, workshops, and classes. - Projects must be open to the public and not primarily for religious socialization or member-only audiences. - **Ineligible applicants or projects include:** - Those with overdue reports from previous Five Wings Arts Council grants. - Projects requesting funds for capital improvements, endowments, or expenses outside the eligible period. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Five Wings Arts Council Grants page](https://www.fwac.org/community-grants). - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Resumes for key project personnel - Documentation of tax-exempt status (or fiscal agent agreement) - Detailed project budget - (Optional) Artist work samples or links to online portfolios - Applicants are encouraged to contact Five Wings Arts Council staff early in the planning process for guidance and may request a draft review of their application up to 10 working days before the deadline. - Notification of funding decisions is typically sent within 14 days after the board review. --- ## Additional Information - Project start dates must be after the funding decision and signing of the grant agreement (typically about two months after the application deadline). - Projects must be completed within one year of the start date. - A final report is required within 60 days of project completion. - Failure to submit required reports may affect eligibility for future funding. - All publicity must credit the Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. --- ## External Links - [Five Wings Arts Council Community Grants Page](https://www.fwac.org/community-grants) - [Community Arts Access Project Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6058ab5aef92d206662d7d4b/t/6329fba0346f61525a0ee0b1/1663695777418/Guidelines.Community_Access_Grant.2022-2-2.pdf) - [McKnight Foundation Grants – For Grant Seekers](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------| | Five Wings Arts Council | [vicki@fwac.org](mailto:vicki@fwac.org) | 218-895-5660; Toll-Free 877-654-2166 | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 |

Community Arts Access Project Grant Program

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