Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2025 (new rolling deadline for ACHF funds)
Funding Amounts: Up to $600 per project; applicants may receive up to 3 grants per fiscal year.
Summary: Supports artists, culture bearers, and arts organizations in East Central Minnesota for urgent needs, sudden opportunities, or projects impacted by the pandemic or systemic racial disparities.
Key Information: Applications are only accepted from residents/organizations in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine counties (including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands).
Description
The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) Resiliency Grant provides flexible funding of up to $600 for individual artists, culture bearers, and arts organizations in East Central Minnesota. The grant is designed to support art projects that address urgent needs, sudden opportunities, or challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic or systemic racial disparities. Projects may be in any artistic discipline and must align with ECRAC’s broad definition of art. The program aims to foster resilience and adaptability in the regional arts community.
Due Dates
- Next rolling deadline opens: July 1, 2025 (Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund cycle)
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated. Early submission is encouraged.
Funding Amount
- Maximum award: $600 per project
- Frequency: Up to 3 Resiliency Grants may be awarded to an applicant per fiscal year (but only one active grant at a time)
- Project period: All funded activities must be completed before May 31, 2026 (for FY 2025 funds)
Eligibility
Individual Artists
- Must be a permanent resident (at least 6 months) of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine counties, including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands.
- Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- No outstanding or unacceptable final reports with ECRAC.
- Only one active Resiliency Grant at a time; up to 3 per fiscal year.
Organizations
- Must be a state-registered and federally recognized nonprofit, tax-exempt arts organization, or use a fiscal sponsor.
- Must be based in and primarily serve the eligible counties.
- At least 75% of activities and budget must be dedicated to the arts.
- Must have at least one year of arts programming history and at least one paid or designated volunteer staff person.
- Organizations currently receiving Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board are not eligible.
Ineligible Projects/Expenses
- Out-of-state travel
- Capital improvements or construction
- Equipment purchases over $600
- General operating support
- Fundraisers or benefit events
- Projects already underway or previously funded by ECRAC
Application Process
- Apply online: All applications must be submitted via the ECRAC Grant Portal.
- Required information: Project description, urgency/opportunity, anticipated impact, evaluation plan, and detailed budget.
- Attachments: All required documents must be uploaded; incomplete applications are ineligible.
- Review: Applications are reviewed in the order received. Criteria include artistic merit, applicant ability, need, and equity/inclusion.
- Notification: Applicants are notified by email. If funded, a contract and payment request form must be signed and returned within 45 days.
- Final report: Required within 60 days of project completion, including documentation of expenses and outcomes.
Additional Information
- Projects must be completed within the grant period and before the stated deadline.
- All publicity must credit ECRAC and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
- Grantees must comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
- Technical assistance and grant writing support are available from ECRAC staff upon request.
- For a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses, see the ECRAC Resiliency Grant Guidelines (PDF).
External Links
Contact Information