Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: July 15, 2025 | October 15, 2025
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project; typically for projects completed within 12 months; no match required for 2025.
Summary: Supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government units in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties (MN) to increase community access to high-quality arts activities.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in or serve the eligible counties; projects must demonstrate artistic quality, community need, and organizational capacity.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Five Wings Arts Council with support from the McKnight Foundation, provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities for arts projects that enrich communities in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties in Minnesota. The program aims to increase access to high-quality arts experiences, support local artists and organizations, and address community needs through the arts. Projects may include performances, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, guest artist residencies, and other arts-based community activities.
Due Dates
- July 15, 2025
- October 15, 2025
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline date. Late applications are not considered for that review round.
Funding Amount
- Maximum award: $5,000 per project
- Project duration: Must be completed within 12 months of notification of award
- Match requirement: No cash match required for 2025 (requirement temporarily suspended)
- Eligible expenses: Artist fees, project-specific materials, travel, promotion, equipment rental, and other direct project costs
Eligibility
Eligible applicants:
- Minnesota-based nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations (501(c)(3))
- Public schools (K-12) and school districts
- Government units or departments/agencies of the State of Minnesota
- Organizations without nonprofit status may apply through a fiscal agent (must be a qualifying nonprofit or government unit)
Geographic eligibility:
- Projects must take place in or primarily serve Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, or Wadena counties
Project eligibility:
- Projects must focus on the creation, production, or presentation of arts activities that benefit the local or regional community
- All artistic disciplines are eligible (visual, performing, literary, etc.)
- Projects must be open to the public
Ineligible applicants/projects:
- For-profit businesses
- Individuals (must apply through an eligible organization)
- Projects with overdue final reports from previous FWAC grants
- Projects for religious socialization, capital improvements, or those not open to the public
Application Process
- Review Guidelines: Read the Community Arts Access Project Grant Guidelines (PDF) for detailed requirements.
- Contact FWAC: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Five Wings Arts Council staff to discuss project eligibility and receive feedback before applying.
- Prepare Application: Complete the online application form, including:
- Project narrative (goals, activities, community need, evaluation)
- Budget (using the provided form)
- Resumes of key personnel
- Proof of nonprofit status or fiscal agent agreement (if applicable)
- Documentation of rights for use of intellectual property (if relevant)
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted online by the deadline.
- Review Process: Applications are reviewed by the FWAC Board based on artistic quality, community relevance, and organizational capacity.
- Notification: Applicants are notified of funding decisions within 14 days of the board review.
- Grant Agreement: Awardees must sign and return a grant agreement before funds are released.
- Final Report: A final report is required within 60 days of project completion.
Additional Information
- Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel, project-specific materials, equipment rental, marketing, and documentation.
- Ineligible expenses include receptions/food, prizes, gifts, capital improvements, or costs incurred before the project start date.
- Fiscal agents: Organizations without nonprofit status may use a fiscal agent; a signed agreement is required.
- Draft review: Applicants may request a draft review from FWAC staff at least 10 working days before the deadline.
- Appeals: Applicants may appeal procedural issues (not funding decisions based on artistic merit) within 10 business days of notification.
External Links
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, project design, or the application process, contact the Five Wings Arts Council office. Staff are available to assist with project planning and application review.