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

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

$1,500, $3,000, or $5,000 per award; multiple awards per cycle; one $5,000, three $3,000, and four $1,500 grants per round.

Supports non-hobby artists in northwestern Minnesota to advance creative projects, skill development, and artistic business growth.

Must be at least 18, out of high school, and reside in one of seven NW Minnesota counties.

--- ## Description These grants provide direct financial assistance to individual artists in northwestern Minnesota, enabling them to exhibit, perform, or produce creative works, participate in mentorships, or pursue non-credit arts experiences. The program aims to help artists advance their technical skills, grow their artistic business, and realize specific creative projects. Funding is available at three levels, and support comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. --- ## Due Dates - April 30, 2026: Individual Artist Grants application deadline - September 30, 2026: Individual Artist Grants $5,000 application deadline - November 15, 2026: Individual Artist Grants application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Individual awards of $1,500, $3,000, or $5,000 per grant cycle. - $5,000 awards: three per round - $3,000 awards: three per round - $1,500 awards: four per round - One active artist award for reimbursement of eligible purchases up to $500 per artist per calendar year (inquire with staff for details). - Funding is competitive and based on available resources each round. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must: - Be at least 18 years old and out of high school. - Reside in one of the following NW Minnesota counties: Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau. - Be a non-hobby artist (i.e., actively engaged in their artistic discipline). - College students must demonstrate residency in the service region. - Not eligible: College tuition, hobby artists, or those outside the service region. --- ## Application Process - Complete both the Arts Grant application (for panel review) and the Data Collection application (for the State Arts Board). - Applications and detailed instructions are available through the [Northwest Minnesota Arts Council grants page](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply). - Applicants must submit: - Project description and budget - Work samples relevant to the proposed discipline - Resume or qualifications - Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, tax documents) - Applications are reviewed for artistic merit, feasibility, and community impact. - Notification of award or rejection is typically sent within 45 days after the review deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Artists may use grant funds to pay themselves for time spent on the project, with proper documentation and receipts required. - Ineligible expenses include college tuition, general-use equipment (computers, cameras, etc.), travel that appears to be for vacation, or starting a new medium without a work sample. - Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. - One reimbursement award (up to $500) per artist per calendar year is available for eligible purchases—contact staff for specifics. - Support for these grants comes from The McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature. --- ## External Links - [Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Grants Page](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/apply) - [Grant Application Instructions (PDF)](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/s/Individual-Grant-Application-Training.pdf) - [Grant FAQs](https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/grantfaqs) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | NWMAC Office | 218-745-8886 | | Director (email) | [director@NWArtsCouncil.org](mailto:director@NWArtsCouncil.org) | | McKnight Foundation | +1 612-333-4220 | | McKnight Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

Individual Artist Grants

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