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

May 2026

$5,000 per award; one fellowship awarded annually for a 12-month project period.

Supports outstanding individual artists in Minnesota’s Lake Region with funding for creative work and professional growth in various artistic disciplines.

Only artists residing in the LRAC nine-county region are eligible; eligible disciplines alternate annually.

--- ## Description This fellowship program, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC), provides significant support to individual artists in Minnesota’s Lake Region. The grant recognizes, rewards, and encourages outstanding artists who demonstrate vision, creative energy, and commitment to their local culture. Fellows use the funds for activities that advance their artistic growth, including solitary work, community or collaborative projects, travel, research, or other endeavors that contribute to their practice. The fellowship is open to artists working in literary, performance, visual, or music disciplines, with eligible disciplines alternating each year. Recipients are expected to propose a fellowship plan lasting up to twelve months. --- ## Due Dates - May 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 per fellowship award - One fellowship is awarded annually - Funds may be used over a 12-month period for a self-designed fellowship plan --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be individual artists, not organizations. - Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident. - Must have resided in the LRAC nine-county region (Minnesota) for at least 12 months prior to applying. - Must be at least 25 years old at the application deadline. - Artists may re-apply five years after completing a previous LRAC Fellowship. - Eligible disciplines alternate annually (e.g., one year for music/visual arts, next year for literary/performance). - Not eligible if: - Currently a student in a degree-granting program - LRAC Board Directors or immediate family members during tenure - Have outstanding LRAC grant reports - Proposing ineligible activities (see below) ### Ineligible Activities - Activities involving organizations where the applicant is employed - Tuition, fees, or degree-related work - Activities primarily for religious socialization - Curriculum development or teaching programs for regular employment - Establishing arts organizations - Payment of debts, capital costs over $5,000, or endowment funds - Commercial projects for mass-market distribution - Activities starting before grant contract is signed --- ## Application Process - Review current guidelines and eligibility on the [LRAC Fellowship page](https://lrac4.org/fellowship). - Contact LRAC staff for eligibility and application support (strongly encouraged for first-time applicants). - Submit application through the LRAC online grant system; create a logon profile if new. - Required materials: - Short résumé (2–3 pages) - Two letters of recommendation from professionals in your field (plus their résumés) - Work samples from the last five years - Applications are reviewed for completeness; corrections may be requested within one week of notification. - Review is conducted by LRAC Board using artistic merit and impact criteria. - Notification of funding decision within two weeks of review. --- ## Additional Information - 90% of the fellowship award is disbursed at the LRAC Annual Meeting; remaining 10% is paid after final presentation at the following year’s meeting. - Fellowship activities must be completed within 12 months. - Fellows must credit LRAC and the McKnight Foundation in all publicity. - Appeals on review process may be requested following LRAC policy. - See [LRAC Grant Management](http://www.LRAC4.org/grant-management) for details on publicity and compliance. --- ## External Links - [LRAC Fellowship Program Overview](https://lrac4.org/fellowship) - [2025 Fellowship Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586d9f8ee3df286381b4a20d/t/67c9f83be7c36951f3d3313d/1741289531554/FY25+Fellowship+Grant+Guidelines.pdf) - [LRAC Individual Artist Grants Overview](https://lrac4.org/individual-grants) - [LRAC Grant Management](http://www.LRAC4.org/grant-management) - [McKnight Foundation Grants for Grant Seekers](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | LRAC Office | 133 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537| | Phone | (888) 735-9622 | | Email | [lrac4@lracgrants.org](mailto:lrac4@lracgrants.org) | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | LRAC Website | [https://lrac4.org](https://lrac4.org) |

LRAC Fellowship Grant - McKnight Foundation

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