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

March 2026 (Spring Legacy Organization Grant) | October 2026 (Fall Legacy Organization Grant)

Minimum request $500, maximum $12,500 per project; total available each round varies (recently ~$108,000–$162,000/round).

Supports Minnesota arts organizations and projects that expand arts access, learning, and cultural heritage in the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) nine-county region.

--- ## Description The Legacy Organization Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC), aims to strengthen the arts ecosystem in the LRAC’s nine-county region of Minnesota. The grant supports nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofits with arts-focused projects, local governments, educational institutions, cultural heritage groups, and qualifying groups of artists. Its primary goals are to increase access to the arts, promote arts learning, and celebrate the region’s cultural heritage. Eligible activities include public art production, artist residencies in schools, performances, festivals, workshops, and organizational capacity-building. The program emphasizes community engagement, equity, and the integration of arts into local economies and education. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026: Spring Legacy Organization Grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) - October 2026: Fall Legacy Organization Grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) *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 - Total available per round (recent years): approximately $108,000 (fall) to $162,000 (spring) - No match required - Grant activities must be completed within 12 months of the project start date - An applicant cannot be awarded more than 50% of their annual operating budget income in LRAC funding per fiscal year --- ## Eligibility **Eligible Applicants:** - Nonprofit arts organizations (501(c)(3)), with at least 60% of programming and expenses dedicated to the arts - Nonprofits (not primarily arts-focused), such as schools, senior centers, or community education departments - Local governments, public schools, colleges, universities, libraries - Cultural heritage groups with nonprofit status in Minnesota - Groups of two or more artists with a history of performing together under a recognized name (must use a fiscal agent for first application) - Organizations must be located in and serve the LRAC nine-county region: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin counties **Not Eligible:** - For-profit businesses - Religious organizations - Organizations intending to influence public policy - Entities located outside the LRAC region - Organizations with outstanding final reports or incomplete applications **Project Restrictions:** - Projects must have arts/culture as the primary focus - Activities must occur within the LRAC region - Some types of capital improvements, endowments, fundraising, or standard school programming are not eligible --- ## Application Process - Review the [Legacy Organization Grant Guidelines](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/66acec58d4b7bd232c6d56db/1722608732726/FY25+Legacy+Organization+Grant+Guidelines+v2.pdf) - Create an account and apply via the LRAC online grants portal - Submit all required supporting documents (project director’s resume, annual financial reports, work samples, letters of commitment, equipment quotes if applicable, venue confirmations, etc.) - Applications are reviewed by the LRAC Board based on need, merit/artistic quality, and the applicant’s ability to accomplish the project - For requests $10,000 or more, a presentation to the LRAC Board is required - Notification of funding decisions typically occurs within two weeks after the review meeting - Awarded funds: 80% disbursed upon contract, 20% after final report approval --- ## Additional Information - Applicants are encouraged to contact the LRAC office early for assistance and to review tips and webinars available on the LRAC website - Only one application per organization per round is allowed - Grantees must credit LRAC and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund in all publicity materials - Misuse of funds may result in penalties, including loss of eligibility for future funding --- ## External Links - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) Legacy Grants](https://lrac4.org/legacy-grants) - [Legacy Organization Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/66acec58d4b7bd232c6d56db/1722608732726/FY25+Legacy+Organization+Grant+Guidelines+v2.pdf) - [LRAC Grant Management Resources](http://www.LRAC4.org/grant-management) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Lake Region Arts Council | [lrac4@lracgrants.org](mailto:lrac4@lracgrants.org) | | Phone | (888) 735-9622 | | Office Hours | Mon–Thu 9 am–3 pm; Fri–Sun Closed | | Address | 133 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

Legacy Organization Grant - McKnight Foundation

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