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

January 21, 2026

$5,000 minimum or 20% of prior year’s operating expenses up to $12,000 per year, for two years (biennial)

Biennial grants for nonprofit arts organizations in Central Minnesota to support operations, outreach, equipment, and accessibility.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits with ≤$250,000 in expenses, located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties.

--- ## Description The Community Arts Support Program provides biennial funding to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit arts organizations in Central Minnesota (Region 7W: Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties). Grants support general operations, administration, equipment purchases (with some restrictions), accessibility, and outreach efforts. The program aims to help organizations deliver high-quality artistic programming, improve internal management, and increase community engagement and access to the arts. --- ## Due Dates - January 21, 2026: Application deadline (full online application due) --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum award: $5,000 per year - Maximum award: 20% of the previous year’s operating expenses, up to $12,000 per year - Funding is for a two-year (biennial) period; organizations approved for FY26 receive the same support in FY27, pending legislative funding and a successful interim review --- ## Eligibility Organizations must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization - Located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W), Minnesota - Have a mission to provide arts programming/services - Have been in operation for at least two years - Have annual operating expenses of $250,000 or less - Not eligible for Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support **Not eligible:** - For-profit entities, schools, government units - Organizations without an arts-focused mission - Organizations with overdue final reports to CMAB - Organizations intending to influence legislation or religious socialization --- ## Application Process - Review the [program guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY26-FY27_CommunityArtsSupport_Guidelines.pdf) before starting your application - Access the [online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) to create or update your organization’s profile - Required documents: - Profit & Loss Statement from the last completed fiscal year - Balance Sheet approved by your board - 501(c)(3) determination letter with EIN - Complete and submit the application by 11:59 pm on the deadline - Applications are reviewed and scored based on Artistic Merit & Quality, Demonstrated Need, and Organizational Ability - Notification of award decisions follows a public board review **Tips:** - Contact CMAB staff to discuss eligibility or have a draft reviewed at least two weeks before the deadline - Watch the [New Applicant Tutorial](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) for step-by-step instructions --- ## Additional Information - Funds may not be used for alcoholic beverages, out-of-state travel, relocating outside Region 7W, or equipment purchases over $4,999 per year - Interim and final reports are required to receive second-year funding and maintain eligibility for future grants - All applications must be certified by the board/advisory committee --- ## External Links - [Program Homepage](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/community-arts-support/) - [Full Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY26-FY27_CommunityArtsSupport_Guidelines.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact CMAB](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | - | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 1-866-825-1471 | ---

Community Arts Support Program

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