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

July 1, 2025 (Biennial program opens FY26)

Biennial grants; typical uses include administration, operations, equipment, and outreach.

Supports small nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7W to strengthen operations and expand access to the arts.

For 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties with ≤$250,000 annual expenses.

--- ## Description This biennial grant program is designed to support the administration, operations, equipment purchases, and outreach activities of small nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties). The goal is to foster a thriving, collaborative, and innovative arts community by providing financial support to organizations that produce or provide arts services, with a particular emphasis on improving access and outreach to underserved groups. --- ## Due Dates - The next application cycle opens July 1, 2025 (FY26). - This is a biennial program; check the [program page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/community-arts-support/) for updates on future cycles. - Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. --- ## Funding Amount - Biennial (every two years) grant awards. - Funding can be used for: - Administration and operations - Equipment purchases - Improving access and outreach to underserved groups - Typical award size is not specified; contact the Central MN Arts Board for details. --- ## Eligibility - **Organization type:** Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts producing/service organizations - **Location:** Must be located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W), Minnesota - **Operating budget:** Annual operating expenses of $250,000 or less - **Organizational history:** Must have been in existence for at least two years - **Other:** Must be able to provide required documentation and meet all Central MN Arts Board general grant policies --- ## Application Process - Review the [program guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/community-arts-support/) and download the application questions as a Word document for drafting. - Applications are submitted online via the [Central MN Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - New applicants should watch the [Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) for step-by-step instructions on creating an account and using the grant system. - Draft reviews are available upon request before the draft review deadline; contact the Central MN Arts Board for details. - All required questions must be completed; incomplete applications will not be considered. - Final reports are required within 60 days of the project end date. --- ## Additional Information - Accessibility accommodations are available for applicants with specific needs (e.g., Braille, large print, audio). Contact the Central MN Arts Board at least 10 working days in advance for requests. - Organizations or groups not meeting eligibility may apply through a fiscal agent. - Applicants with overdue final reports are not eligible to apply. - Appeals are allowed only for procedural errors, not for disagreements with funding decisions. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/community-arts-support/) - [Central MN Arts Board Grants Overview](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/) - [Applicant Tutorial (Foundant GLM)](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Contact Options | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Central MN Arts Board | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) | Phone: 1-866-825-1471 | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | Phone: +1 612-333-4220 |

Community Arts Support

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