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

February 1, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026

Up to $5,000 per grant; no match required; supports one-year projects.

Supports schools in Minnesota’s Region 7E to enhance arts curriculum and provide enriched arts experiences for students.

Only schools in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties (Region 7E) are eligible.

--- ## Description This grant, administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) and funded by the McKnight Foundation, aims to enhance the existing arts curriculum in K-12 educational facilities throughout Minnesota's Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). Funding supports supplementary arts programs such as artist residencies, arts-related field trips, special projects, and events that foster creativity and provide enriched arts experiences for students. Projects must include a public/community component. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2026 - April 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026 All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $5,000 per grant - No matching funds required - Supports projects lasting up to one year --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be schools or educational facilities located in Minnesota’s Region 7E: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Funding can support all K-12 students or specific student groups (e.g., drama club, art classes, gifted and talented). - Projects must supplement existing school arts curriculum and include a public/community engagement component. - Only eligible organizations may apply; individuals are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - The portal requires account creation; each organization can have only one account. - Application links become available 4–6 weeks before each deadline. - Applicants must review the [Art in Our Schools Grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Art%20in%20Our%20Schools%20FY%202026-2027%20guidelines%20and%20instructions.pdf) and prepare required materials (budget, schedules, certification page, etc.). - Applications can be saved and edited before submission but cannot be changed after submission. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should begin at least 60 days after the application deadline. - The grant emphasizes artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement. - For assistance, review the [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE). --- ## External Links - [Art in Our Schools Grant Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/art-our-schools-grant) - [ECRAC Grants for Organizations](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/organizations) - [Art in Our Schools Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Art%20in%20Our%20Schools%20FY%202026-2027%20guidelines%20and%20instructions.pdf) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------| | ECRAC (East Central Regional Arts Council) | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 |

Art in Our Schools Grant

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