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

March 1, 2026 (annual deadline)

$3,000–$10,000 per grant; one-year support period

Provides core operational funding to arts organizations in East Central Minnesota to sustain staff, facilities, and programming.

Formerly known as the Operating Support Grant; application via ECRAC portal.

--- ## Description The Essentials Support Grant offers annual core operating support for arts organizations in Minnesota’s East Central Region. The funding is intended to help organizations maintain essential functions—such as staffing, facility costs, and ongoing programming—so they can continue to fulfill their missions and serve their communities. This grant is designed to provide stability, allowing organizations to focus on growth and impact rather than short-term financial needs. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Application deadline (annual) - March 1, 2025: Previous deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $3,000 to $10,000 per organization - Funding period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 - Grants are for a one-year support period --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be arts organizations located in Minnesota’s East Central Region (Region 7E), which includes the counties of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of government, or tribal entities. - Only one application per organization per deadline. - Organizations must have a history of arts programming and demonstrate a need for core operating support. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - New users must create an account for their organization; only one account per organization is allowed. - Application materials include organizational information, budget documents, and responses to narrative questions. - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202026-2027.pdf) before starting your application. - The application can be saved and edited before submission, but no changes are allowed after submission. - Assistance is available from ECRAC staff and via the [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE). --- ## Additional Information - This grant was formerly called the Operating Support Grant. - The application link becomes available 4–6 weeks before the deadline. - For best results, contact ECRAC staff with any questions during the process. --- ## External Links - [Essentials Support Grant Program Page (ECRAC)](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/essentials-support-grant) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [Full Grant Guidelines PDF](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202026-2027.pdf) - [Application (for review only)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ACHF%20Essentials%20Support%20Grant%20Application%20for%20Review%20Only.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------| | ECRAC Executive Director | [director@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | For further assistance, refer to the [ECRAC contact page](https://www.ecrac.org/about/contact-us/). ---

Essentials Support Grant

Sign in to see full grant listing