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

March 2026 (Full application deadline)

$9,000 per award; up to two awards granted annually; project period up to one year.

Recognizes and supports outstanding professional artists and culture bearers in East Central Minnesota, enabling them to advance their creative work.

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) and funded by the McKnight Foundation, honors and supports professional artists and culture bearers residing in East Central Minnesota. The award is designed to recognize artistic excellence and provide recipients with the resources to further develop their creative work, whether through dedicated time, materials, advanced study (not related to a degree), or other career advancement activities. Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated Deadline:** March 2026 - Awards are given annually. - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are given each year. - Funding is intended for a one-year project period, beginning July 1 and to be completed within 12 months. --- ## Eligibility - Open to professional artists and culture bearers working in any artistic discipline. - Applicants must be at least 18 years old. - Must be a permanent resident (for at least six months) of one of the following Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, or the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Projects may not be used toward degree-related study. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) when available—typically released about four weeks before the deadline. - Prepare required supplemental materials as outlined in the application instructions. - Submit your application through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2). - You must create an account in the portal if you do not already have one. - Applications can be saved and edited prior to final submission. - Once submitted, applications cannot be modified. **Helpful resources:** - [FY24-25 Essential Artist Award Application (Sample)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) - [Equipment Use Plan Example](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Equipment%20Use%20Plan%20Example%20for%20Artist_0.docx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must begin July 1 following the award and be completed within one year. - Up to two artists may receive the award per annual cycle. - Applicants are encouraged to check the ECRAC website for updated guidelines and application materials, which are posted several weeks before the anticipated deadline. --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Individual Artists Grants Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/individual-artists) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |----------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | ECRAC Grants Office | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | [Contact Page](https://www.ecrac.org/contact) | | McKnight Foundation | — | +1 612-333-4220 | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

ECRAC Essential Artist Award - McKnight Foundation

Sign in to see full grant listing