[American-Scandinavian Foundation](https://www.amscan.org)

September 15, 2026 (Full application deadline)

$5,000–$50,000 per grant; project duration typically 1 year

Supports nonprofit-led public programs and community projects that preserve and innovate Nordic cultural traditions in the Upper Midwest.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits; activities must occur in or connect to the Upper Midwest.

--- ## Description This grant program, administered by the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF), funds public programs and community projects that preserve, perpetuate, and innovate living Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions in the Upper Midwest (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). Supported activities include community festivals, heritage events, workshops, performances, classes, and demonstrations, all aimed at strengthening community ties and encouraging the transmission of Nordic traditions to younger generations. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Full application deadline (Grants for Public Programs & Community Projects) --- ## Funding Amount - Individual grant amounts range from **$5,000 to $50,000** - Funding supports project periods typically starting January 1 or later after award notification - Grantees may receive a maximum of two funded grants within a six-year period --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant Type:** Only nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible. - **Geographic Focus:** Projects must take place in, or be directly connected to, the Upper Midwest (ND, SD, IA, MN, WI, Upper Peninsula of MI). - **Project Focus:** Activities must relate to living Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions (including those from Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sápmi, and Sweden). - **Restrictions:** - No support for capital expenses, institutional overhead, book/periodical/website publication, commercial CD/cassette production, or retroactive funding. - Conference participation/registration for individuals is not supported; general conference expenses (e.g., invited speakers) may be. - Previous awardees must submit final reports before reapplying. - Projects cannot begin before the decision announcement date (December 1, 2026). --- ## Application Process - **Read the detailed application guidelines:** [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Updated-2026-Public-Programs-Application-Guidelines-Folk-Arts.pdf) - **Apply online:** [Online application portal](https://amscan.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/119/home) - **Required materials:** - Organizational background and proof of nonprofit status - Project summary and detailed description - Biographical information on key staff/performers - Audience description and outreach plan - Timeline and schedule of events - Samples of relevant work (up to 20, in PDF or PowerPoint) - Letter of support - Project budget and organizational operating budget - **Reporting:** Final narrative report due within 60 days of grant period end; previous grantees must submit reports before reapplying ([Final Report Form](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ASF-Final-Report-Form.pdf)). --- ## Additional Information - **Decision notifications:** Announced December 1, 2026 - **Project start date:** January 1, 2027, or later - **Sámi cultural projects:** ASF emphasizes respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples, including Sámi communities, in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. - **Past grantees:** [2025–26 Press Release](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/25-26-Press-Release-Folk-Arts.pdf) | [2017–25 Public Program Grantees](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Website-PP-List-2017-25_Folk-Arts-Public-Programs.pdf) --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Guidelines](https://www.amscan.org/fellowships-grants/grants-for-folk-arts) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Updated-2026-Public-Programs-Application-Guidelines-Folk-Arts.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://amscan.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/119/home) - [Final Report Form](https://www.amscan.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ASF-Final-Report-Form.pdf) - [Sign up for ASF grant news](https://www.amscan.org/fellowships-and-grants/email-signup-3/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@amscan.org](mailto:info@amscan.org) | | Grants Office | [grants@amscan.org](mailto:grants@amscan.org) | | Folk Arts Consultant (questions about process) | [anne@amscan.org](mailto:anne@amscan.org) | | Phone | 212-779-3587 | | Mailing Address | Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 | ---

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