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

March 1, 2025

Up to $9,000 per award; typically one or two awards per year; project must be completed within one year.

Supports outstanding professional artists and culture bearers in East Central Minnesota to advance their careers through time, supplies, advanced study, or other artistic goals.

Applicants must be permanent residents (6+ months) of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine counties, MN.

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with funding from the McKnight Foundation, is designed to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers at various stages of their careers. The award provides financial support to enable artists to set aside time to work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other career-advancing activities. The program is open to artists working in all artistic disciplines, including visual, performing, media, literary, and interdisciplinary arts. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline:** March 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Central Time) - **Earliest Project Start Date:** July 1, 2025 - **Project Completion Deadline:** June 30, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $9,000 per recipient - **Number of Awards:** Typically one or two per year - **Duration:** Project must be completed within one year of the start date - **No match required**, but matching funds are encouraged --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a professional individual artist or culture bearer (creation of art is a primary endeavor or career) - Permanent resident (at least 6 months) of one of the following Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine (including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands) - At least 18 years of age - U.S. citizen or permanent resident - No outstanding or unacceptable final reports with ECRAC - No misuse of funds determination with the Minnesota State Arts Board or any Regional Arts Council - Not have received ECRAC McKnight funding in the past two years - Only one active ECRAC grant at a time (except for resiliency grants) - Not applying for activities related to a degree, tuition, or fees - Not applying for projects already underway or with expenses incurred before the start date **Ineligible activities include:** fundraising, new building construction, purchase of real property, endowment funds, activities for religious socialization, or projects funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same purpose. --- ## Application Process - **Read the Guidelines:** Download and review the [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - **Prepare Materials:** Gather required documents, including a detailed project plan, budget (use [budget template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx)), work samples, and an artistic résumé - **Online Submission:** Apply through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - **Attachments:** Upload all required files in PDF, Word, or Excel format; work samples must meet specific requirements by discipline - **Technical Assistance:** ECRAC staff offer technical assistance and grant workshops (not required but strongly recommended) - **Deadline:** Submit the complete application by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025 --- ## Additional Information - **Review Criteria:** Artistic quality (as demonstrated by work samples) is the primary criterion; merit and feasibility of the proposed project are also considered - **Equipment Purchases:** If requesting funds for equipment over $500, provide three price quotes (one from a Minnesota vendor) and an equipment use plan - **Reporting:** Grantees must submit a final report within 30 days of project completion, including documentation of expenses and outcomes - **Publicity:** All funded projects must credit ECRAC and the McKnight Foundation in publicity materials --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template (Excel)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | ECRAC Main Office | 540 Weber Avenue, Suite 109, Hinckley, MN 55037 | | Phone | 320-336-0200 | | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | Website | [https://www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | For technical questions about the application portal, contact ECRAC staff well in advance of the deadline.

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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