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

April 30, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | November 15, 2026

$5,000 (3 awards), $3,000 (3 awards), $1,500 (4 awards) per cycle; one award per artist per year.

Supports non-hobby artists in northwest Minnesota to create, present, or develop their work and skills.

Applicants must reside in one of seven NW Minnesota counties and be at least 18 years old.

--- ## Description Individual Artist Grants provide direct financial support to non-hobby artists residing in the seven-county northwest Minnesota region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties). The program is intended to help artists advance their careers, create and present new work, or build technical skills through exhibitions, performances, mentorships, or participation in skill-building arts experiences. Funding is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota, administered by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC). --- ## Due Dates - **April 30, 2026:** Individual Artist Grants application deadline (all award levels) - **September 30, 2026:** $5,000 award application deadline - **November 15, 2026:** Individual Artist Grants application deadline (all award levels) All dates are annual and recurring. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **$5,000 awards:** 3 awarded per cycle - **$3,000 awards:** 3 awarded per cycle - **$1,500 awards:** 4 awarded per cycle - **One active artist award per artist per calendar year** - Funding may be used for project costs, materials, mentorship, or professional development (excluding college tuition) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be **at least 18 years old** and **out of high school** - Must have a **permanent legal address** in one of the seven eligible northwest Minnesota counties: - Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau - College students must demonstrate residency in the region - **Non-hobby artists only** (artists must show a commitment to their practice) - Projects must benefit the artist’s career or technical skills (not for hobby or recreational purposes) - **Ineligible expenses:** College tuition, daily life equipment (computers, phones, etc.), projects with a vacation appearance, or new mediums outside current demonstrated work --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare application materials:** - Project description (what, how, and why) - Artistic work samples - Budget and narrative for project expenses - Data Collection application (required by the State of Minnesota) 2. **Submit online:** - Complete both the Arts Grant application and the Data Collection application via the [NWMAC grant portal](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply) 3. **Review:** Applications are reviewed by a panel for artistic merit, impact, and feasibility 4. **Notification:** Applicants are notified within approximately 45 days of the review 5. **Reporting:** Final report and documentation required within 60 days of project completion Detailed step-by-step instructions are available for download on the [program page](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply). --- ## Additional Information - Artists may use grant funds to pay themselves for time spent on the project, but must provide detailed tracking and receipts - Only one active artist grant per artist per year - Quick Turn Around grants are no longer offered, but a separate small reimbursement award (up to $500) may be available for eligible purchases—contact staff for details - All funded activities must occur within the eligible counties - Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant --- ## External Links - [NWMAC Individual Artist Grants Program Page](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply) - [Step-by-Step Application Directions (PDF)](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/s/Individual-Grant-Application-Training.pdf) - [Grant FAQs](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/grantfaqs) - [Data Collection Application Training (PDF)](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/s/Data-Collection-Application-Training.pdf) - [McKnight Foundation Grants Page](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | director@NWArtsCouncil.org | | Phone | 218-745-8886 (NWMAC) | | McKnight Foundation | +1 612-333-4220 | | NWMAC Office | [Contact Form](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply) | For specific questions about eligibility or application materials, contact the NWMAC office directly.

Individual Artist Grants

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