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

March 1, 2025

$9,000 per award | Up to two awards annually | 12-month project period

Supports professional artists and culture bearers in Minnesota’s Region 7E to advance their artistic careers across all mediums.

Only for permanent residents of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine counties (Region 7E, MN).

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), is designed to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers at various stages of their careers. The program supports artists in all artistic disciplines, enabling them to dedicate time to their work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other professional goals. The award aims to promote creative growth and the advancement of artistic practice within Minnesota’s Region 7E. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 - Earliest Project Start Date: July 1, 2025 - Latest Project End Date: June 30, 2026 Applicants must submit their online application by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Projects may not begin before the approved start date. --- ## Funding Amount - Award Amount: $9,000 per recipient - Up to two awards are given annually - No matching funds required, though additional support is encouraged - Project period: up to 12 months Funds may be used for: - Artist time, supplies, materials, documentation, living expenses, travel (within MN), professional development, and equipment (with restrictions). --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be a professional individual artist or culture bearer (all artistic disciplines eligible) - Permanent resident (at least 6 months) of one of these Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine (Region 7E, including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands) - At least 18 years of age - U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien - No outstanding or unacceptable final reports with ECRAC - No misuse of funds determination with the MN State Arts Board or Regional Arts Councils - Not have received ECRAC McKnight funding in the past two years - Only one active ECRAC grant at a time (except for resiliency grants) **Ineligible uses include:** expenses before the project start date, college tuition/degree work, relocation out of Region 7E, activities for organizations, fundraising, debt payment, curriculum development, religious or legislative activities, and more (see guidelines for full list). --- ## Application Process - Review the [program guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) before applying. - Applications must be submitted via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) (portal opens 4–6 weeks before the deadline). - Required materials: - Detailed project plan and budget (use [budget template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx)) - Artistic résumé - Work samples (see guidelines for discipline-specific requirements) - Mentor/instructor résumé (if applicable) - Equipment Use Plan and three quotes (if requesting equipment >$500) - All application materials must be uploaded in accepted formats (PDF, Word, Excel, MP3). - Late or incomplete applications are ineligible. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees must credit ECRAC and the McKnight Foundation in all publicity. - Projects must be completed within the approved dates. - Grants to individuals are taxable. - Technical assistance and grant workshops are available; early contact with ECRAC staff is encouraged. - Only one application per program deadline is allowed. --- ## External Links - [Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [Full Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) - [Equipment Use Plan Example (DOCX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Equipment%20Use%20Plan%20Example%20for%20Artist_0.docx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Email | Phone | Website | |--------------|-------|-------|---------| | East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | 320-336-0200 | [www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | [www.mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) |

ECRAC Essential Artist Award - McKnight Foundation

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