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

March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2027

$3,000–$10,000 per award; one-year grant period (July–June); no match required

Supports core operating expenses for small nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7E to sustain essential activities and programming.

Only for 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits in Region 7E with annual budgets under $174,000.

--- ## Description The Essentials Support Grant, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with support from the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, provides general operating support for small nonprofit arts organizations in Region 7E of Minnesota. The grant is designed to help organizations maintain stability and continue serving their communities by funding essential, day-to-day operating expenses—such as facility costs, utilities, supplies, and a portion of staffing. The program recognizes the vital role that established arts organizations play in the region and aims to ensure their ongoing capacity to deliver high-quality arts experiences. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline for FY 2026 - March 1, 2027: Full application deadline for FY 2027 All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $3,000–$10,000 per organization - Grant period: July 1 to June 30 of the following year - No matching funds required - Organizations may receive one Essentials Support grant per fiscal year and may still apply for other ECRAC project grants --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization physically located in Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - Have an annual organizational budget under $174,000. - Have at least two years of arts programming history and at least one year as a 501(c)(3). - Primarily serve Region 7E audiences through arts programming. - Not receive general operating support from the Minnesota State Arts Board. - Be open to the public and ADA accessible. - Not have outstanding or unacceptable final reports with ECRAC. - Not be a school, college, university, library, historical society, or other ineligible organization type (see full guidelines for details). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - The portal opens 4–6 weeks before each deadline. - Required uploads include: organizational budget, board and staff résumés, board member list, signed certification, and (if applicable) equipment quotes and use plan. - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202026-2027.pdf) and [application instructions](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ACHF%20Essentials%20Support%20Grant%20Application%20for%20Review%20Only.pdf) before applying. - Technical assistance is available from ECRAC staff (contact info below). - Applications are reviewed for eligibility and scored on artistic merit, organizational ability, community need, and equity/inclusion. - Notification of award typically occurs within two months after the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include facility rental, utilities, insurance, office/art supplies, general advertising, equipment (with restrictions), and up to 50% of the award for staffing. - Equipment purchases over $500 require three quotes (one from a Minnesota vendor) and a detailed use plan. - The grant does not fund specific arts projects/events, new construction, fundraising, or organizations with budgets over $174,000. - Grantees must credit ECRAC and the ACHF Legacy Fund in all publicity. - Final report required within 30 days of grant period end. --- ## External Links - [Essentials Support Grant – ECRAC Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/essentials-support-grant) - [ECRAC Grant Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202026-2027.pdf) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ACHF%20Essentials%20Support%20Grant%20Application%20for%20Review%20Only.pdf) - [ECRAC Grants Available](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Website | |------------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------| | ECRAC Executive Director | grantinfo@ecrac.org | 320-336-0200 | [www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | | Grant Program Officer | grantinfo@ecrac.org | 320-336-0200 | | For technical assistance or questions about eligibility, contact ECRAC well in advance of the deadline. ---

Essentials Support Grant

Sign in to see full grant listing