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

July 2026 (application submission deadline — must be received by the first Friday of the month for FWAC Board review)

Up to $3,000 per artist; no match required; funding for project or professional development expenses.

Supports individual artists in central Minnesota for projects and professional development that advance their careers and artistic growth.

--- ## Description The McKnight Artist Support Grant Programs, administered by the Five Wings Arts Council (FWAC) with funding from the McKnight Foundation, are designed to help artists aged 18 and older residing in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties in central Minnesota. The grant funds projects and professional development activities that advance the artist’s career, enhance artistic quality, foster new skills, and help artists reach new audiences. Eligible expenses include supplies, materials, equipment, facility rentals, production of demos or promotional materials, research, project-related childcare, mentorship, business planning, and documentation. The program places a strong emphasis on artistic excellence, feasibility, and the project’s contribution to the artist’s growth. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026 (anticipated/projected): Application submission deadline — applications must be received by the first Friday of the month to be reviewed by the FWAC Board. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $3,000 per artist. - No cost sharing or matching funds required. - Funds may be used for a wide range of career-advancing expenses, but must be spent on activities occurring after the grant agreement is signed. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline. - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. - Must have primary residence in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, or Wadena County, Minnesota for at least six months prior to application. - Artists may only receive one FWAC individual artist grant in a two-year period. - Open to artists at any career stage; art does not have to be primary livelihood. - Ineligible applicants: FWAC board members (during tenure), those with overdue FWAC reports, or those not meeting residency requirements. **Eligible Expenses Include:** - Project supplies and materials - Equipment vital to career growth - Facility rentals and presentation costs - Production of demos, videos, or marketing materials - Research, mentorship, business planning - Project-related childcare, travel, workshops, and more **Ineligible Expenses Include:** - Projects not focused on individual artistic development - Commercial, mass-market, or fundraising activities - Degree-related costs - Activities begun before grant approval - Curriculum for school systems, or activities not open/inclusive to the public --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Five Wings Arts Council grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=fwac). - Required materials: Completed application, work samples (3–5 recent works), artist resume, and a detailed project budget. - Applicants are encouraged to contact FWAC staff for eligibility questions or draft review at least 10 working days before submission. - Applications are reviewed by the FWAC Board, with notifications typically sent within two weeks of the board meeting. - If funded, recipients must sign a grant agreement, complete the project within 12 months, and submit a final report. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must not start before both parties sign the grant agreement. - All funded activities must be inclusive and accessible. - Grant recipients must acknowledge FWAC and McKnight Foundation support in all publicity and materials. - Only one grant per artist every two years. --- ## External Links - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Five Wings Arts Council – Individual Artist Grants](https://www.fwac.org/individual-artist-grants) - [Guidelines for Individual Artist Grants (PDF)](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6058ab5aef92d206662d7d4b/t/63bc74fbf02fe72712f13da9/1673295099825/Guidelines.IArtist+Support+Grant.2023-1-5.pdf) - [FWAC Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=fwac) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------| | Vicki Chepulis, Grants & Program Coordinator | [vicki@fwac.org](mailto:vicki@fwac.org) | 218-895-5660 or toll-free 877-654-2166 | | FWAC General Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.fwac.org/contact) | | | McKnight Foundation Main Office | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 |

McKnight Artist Support Grant Programs

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