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

March 2026 (Full application deadline)

$3,000–$10,000 per award; project period July 2026–June 2027

Supports organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7E to present community art events and strengthen local arts infrastructure.

Application opens 4–6 weeks before deadline; all applications via ECRAC Grant Portal.

--- ## Description The Essentials Support Grant, supported by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), provides funding to organizations in Minnesota’s Region 7E to strengthen their arts programming and operations. This grant is designed to help organizations deliver impactful community art events—such as the IMAGE Art Show—and build capacity for sustained arts engagement in the region. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated Full Application Deadline:** March 2026 (Applications typically open 4–6 weeks prior to the deadline.) - Project period: July 2026 – June 2027 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards range from **$3,000 to $10,000** per organization. - Funds support general operating expenses, programming, and organizational development for the grant period (one year). --- ## Eligibility - Open to nonprofit organizations, arts groups, and units of government located in Minnesota’s Region 7E (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community arts engagement and meet ECRAC’s eligibility requirements. - Only one application per organization per grant deadline is permitted. - Organizations must not have outstanding final reports or unsatisfactory interim progress reviews for previous grants. - Fiscal sponsorship is available for groups without nonprofit status (see [fiscal sponsor guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20FY%2020-21%20Fiscal%20Sponsorship%20info_1.pdf)). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2). - First-time applicants must create an account for their organization (one per organization). - The portal allows you to save and return to your application before submission. - Required uploads include project narratives, budgets, and supporting documents. - Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. - Links to the application form become available 4–6 weeks before the anticipated deadline. For guidance, see the [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE). --- ## Additional Information - All grant recipients are required to submit a final report via the ECRAC portal, documenting project outcomes, publicity, and financial details. - Proofs of payment and documentation of expenses must be retained for three years after project completion and provided upon request. - Outcome evaluation is required to demonstrate the project’s impact. - Past successful applications can be reviewed in person at the ECRAC office by appointment. --- ## External Links - [Essentials Support Grant Details](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/organization/essentials-support-grant) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [Grant Guidelines FY 2024–2025 (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20ACHF%20ESSENTIALS%20SUPPORT%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY%202024-2025_1.pdf) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20ACHF%20Essentials%20Support%20Grant%20Application%20%28for%20reference%20only%29.pdf) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------| | ECRAC Executive Director | [director@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | | General Grant Support | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | For additional questions or technical assistance, contact the ECRAC office or visit the [ECRAC contact page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/).

IMAGE Art Show - McKnight Foundation

Sign in to see full grant listing