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

January 15, 2026 (Full application) | May 15, 2026 (Final report)

$3,500 per award; maximum $5,000 lifetime per artist

Supports outstanding individual artists residing in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota (Region 7W) to advance their creative work.

Applicants must be residents of specified counties for at least six months and may only receive $5,000 total in their lifetime.

--- ## Description This award recognizes and supports individual artists at various stages of their careers who reside in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W) in Minnesota. The program is designed to celebrate creative achievement and provide resources that empower artists to further develop their work and impact within their communities. Artists working in all disciplines and mediums are encouraged to apply, including visual, literary, performing, and interdisciplinary arts. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline:** January 15, 2026 (applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm) - **Final report deadline for awardees:** May 15, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award amount:** $3,500 per recipient - **Lifetime cap:** Artists may receive up to $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards from this program in their lifetime --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be a self-identified artist at least 18 years of age - Be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County in Minnesota (Region 7W) for at least six months prior to application - Be either a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status - Not have received more than $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards from this program in their lifetime - Not have any overdue final reports from previous Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) grants Artists from all disciplines (visual, literary, music, dance, theater, folk, interdisciplinary, etc.) are encouraged to apply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Read the [program guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.pdf) and [Word version](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.docx). 2. **Create an Account:** Access the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). First-time applicants must create an account using their email address. 3. **Prepare Materials:** Submit required materials, including: - Completed application form - Work samples (created within the past five years; discipline-specific requirements apply) - Artist statement and description of artistic process - Data collection information (demographics, discipline, etc.) 4. **Submit Application:** Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 5. **Review & Notification:** Applications are reviewed and scored based on artistic merit and quality. Applicants will be notified of the board’s decision in writing. 6. **Award & Reporting:** Awardees must sign a grant contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report by May 15, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Work samples must not violate copyright and must be formatted as specified in the guidelines. - Reasonable accommodations (alternative formats, language interpretation) are available upon request with at least 10 working days’ notice. - All review meetings are open to the public. - Awardees are responsible for any taxes on grant funds (IRS 1099 issued for $600+). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/) - [Apply for a Grant (CMAB Portal)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact the Central MN Arts Board](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) - [Funder (McKnight Foundation)](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | CMAB Office | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 1-866-825-1471 | | | | | 320-968-4290 | For additional assistance, you may [book a virtual session](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8d4accacb62745bea4c86ac40f9f3070@centralmnartsboard.org?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard) with the Program Officer.

Individual Artist Award

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