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

March 2027 (Essentials Support Grant application deadline, projected)

$3,000–$10,000 for one year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)

Supports essential operational expenses for arts organizations in East Central Minnesota to promote stability and sustainability.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all deadlines are projected and may change.

--- ## Description The Essentials Support Grant, formerly known as Operating Support Grants, provides financial assistance to arts organizations to cover essential operational expenses for a one-year period (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). The grant is designed to ensure the stability and sustainability of arts organizations in East Central Minnesota by supporting their core functions and infrastructure, enabling continued delivery of valuable programs and services to the community. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (Essentials Support Grant application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $3,000 to $10,000 per organization - Funding period: One year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) - Grants are intended for general operating support, not for specific projects --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be arts organizations located in and serving Minnesota’s Region 7E: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Eligible applicants include: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations - Public agencies (local units of government, schools, tribal governments) with an arts-specific budget and advisory committee - Groups using a qualifying fiscal sponsor - Organizations must demonstrate a history of arts programming and community impact. - Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit entities, and organizations whose primary purpose is fundraising for another cause. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - Only one application per organization per grant deadline is allowed. - Required materials typically include: - Completed online application form - Organization budget - Board/advisory member information - Résumés for key personnel - Fiscal sponsor agreement (if applicable) - The portal opens approximately 4–6 weeks before the deadline; applicants must create an account to begin. - Technical assistance is available from ECRAC staff before the technical assistance deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202026-2027.pdf) before applying. - Grants are competitive; allow ample time for planning and application. - Contact ECRAC staff for questions or help with the application process. - Grant recipients are required to credit ECRAC and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund in all publicity and materials. --- ## External Links - [Essentials Support Grant Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/essentials-support-grant) - [ECRAC Grants for Organizations Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/organizations) - [ECRAC Grant Portal (Application Submission)](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) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------| | ECRAC Executive Director | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | For additional assistance, visit the [ECRAC contact page](https://www.ecrac.org/about/contact-us/).

Essentials Support Grant

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