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

March 2026 (Spring) | October 2026 (Fall)

$500–$12,500 per project; total pool varies by round (recent rounds: $108,000–$162,000).

Supports Minnesota-based organizations and groups to expand arts access, education, and cultural heritage in the LRAC nine-county region.

Forecasted dates—confirm with LRAC before applying.

--- ## Description This grant supports arts organizations, nonprofits, local governments, educational institutions, and artist groups in the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) nine-county region of Minnesota. Its purpose is to increase arts access, arts learning, and arts and cultural heritage opportunities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community. Eligible projects include public art, artist residencies, performances, festivals, workshops, and capacity-building efforts that address barriers to arts access and support the long-term vitality of the arts sector in Minnesota. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026: Spring Legacy Organization Grant application deadline (anticipated) - October 2026: Fall Legacy Organization Grant application deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum request: $500 - Maximum request: $12,500 per project - No match required - Total available funding per round varies (recent rounds: ~$108,000 for Fall, ~$162,000 for Spring) - Applicants may not receive more than 50% of their annual operating budget in LRAC funding per fiscal year --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations with at least 60% of programming and expenses dedicated to the arts - Nonprofit organizations (not primarily arts-focused), such as K-12 schools, colleges, universities, senior centers, community education departments, and libraries - Cultural heritage groups with Minnesota nonprofit status - Local government units within the LRAC region - Groups of two or more artists with a history of working together, applying with a fiscal agent (first application only) - All applicants must be located in and serve Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin counties Ineligible applicants include: - For-profit businesses - Organizations located outside the LRAC region - Religious organizations, or those intending to influence public policy - Organizations with incomplete applications or outstanding final reports --- ## Application Process - Review the [Legacy Organization Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/66acec58d4b7bd232c6d56db/1722608732726/FY25+Legacy+Organization+Grant+Guidelines+v2.pdf) - Complete the online application via the LRAC grant portal - Required attachments include: project director’s resume, annual revenue/expenses report, resumes or websites for paid personnel, work samples, letters of commitment, equipment/supply quotes, and venue confirmations - Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the deadline day for each round - Projects must be completed within 12 months of the project start date - For requests of $10,000 or more, a brief presentation to the LRAC Board is required --- ## Additional Information - No matching funds are required - Only one application per organization per grant round - Funded activities must take place within the LRAC region and be primarily arts-focused - Certain capital expenses and building improvements are eligible with additional documentation - Grantees must credit the LRAC and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund in publicity materials - Misuse of funds can result in ineligibility for future grants; review the [LRAC Misuse of Funds Procedure](https://lrac4.org/s/FY20-LRAC-Misuse-of-Funds-Pocedure.pdf) - Applications are reviewed based on need, artistic merit, and applicant’s ability to accomplish the project --- ## External Links - [Legacy Organization Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/66acec58d4b7bd232c6d56db/1722608732726/FY25+Legacy+Organization+Grant+Guidelines+v2.pdf) - [LRAC Grant Page](https://lrac4.org/grants) - [LRAC Grant Management Resources](http://www.LRAC4.org/grant-management) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Contact LRAC](mailto:lrac4@lracgrants.org) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Phone | Email | Website | |------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------|------------------------| | Lake Region Arts Council | (888) 735-9622 | lrac4@lracgrants.org | [LRAC4.org](https://lrac4.org) | | McKnight Foundation | (612) 333-4220 | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | [mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) |

Legacy Organization Grant 2024-2025

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