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

September 2026

Up to $15,000 for core operations, plus up to $2,000 for accessibility improvements (total possible: $17,000); one-year grant period.

Provides unrestricted operating support for Arrowhead Region arts organizations, with additional funds for accessibility enhancements.

Forecasted: Dates and details are projected; confirm with program page before applying.

--- ## Description This program offers unrestricted operating support to nonprofit arts organizations and arts-focused groups in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. Funding is intended to sustain core programming, administrative costs, staffing, supplies, and other essential operational expenses. In addition, applicants may request up to $2,000 in extra funding through the Accessible Arts opportunity—supporting internal or public-facing accessibility improvements, such as professional training, infrastructure upgrades, and digital accessibility enhancements. The goal is to help organizations expand their capacity to provide inclusive experiences for people with disabilities and ensure equitable access to arts programming and employment. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated application deadline: September 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $15,000 in unrestricted operating support per organization. - Additional $2,000 available for accessibility improvements through the Accessible Arts opportunity (total potential award: $17,000). - Funding covers a one-year grant period. --- ## Eligibility ### Programmatic Requirements - Must be one of the following: - Arts-producing organization - Arts-presenting organization - Community arts school or conservatory - Artist service organization - Must have operated as an arts organization for at least one full fiscal year. - Must provide a financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year. - Cannot have received Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same fiscal year. ### Structural Requirements - Eligible structures: - Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organizations (at least 80% of budget dedicated to the arts) - Arts affiliates (distinct arts-focused programs within a Minnesota-based nonprofit) - Unincorporated arts groups working with a qualified fiscal sponsor - Fiscal sponsor requirements: at least one year of operation; must not be for-profit; out-of-state sponsors cannot receive sponsor fees from grant funds. - Ineligible: - For-profit businesses (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp) - Organizations receiving direct state appropriations or other direct state funding - Organizations outside ARAC’s service region ### Geographic & Residency Requirements - Organization must be located in one of these Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis, or the tribal nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District I). - Must be resident in the service region for at least six months prior to application and throughout the project. ### Other Key Eligibility Notes - Only one active ARAC grant per applicant at a time (excludes first-time applicants and current Operating Support grantees). - Must meet general ARAC grant requirements (non-discrimination, civil rights, accessibility, financial accountability). - Must complete and report on all prior ARAC grants before new funding. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [ARAC Grant Management Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&). - Application guidelines and forms are released on the ARAC website at the program open date. - Applicants may request staff feedback up to 10 business days before the deadline. - After submission, applications undergo eligibility review, followed by panel review and scoring. - Panel review is based on artistic excellence, community accessibility and impact, organizational leadership, and assessment/evaluation. - Priority points are awarded to first-time applicants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, U.S. military veterans, age 65+, and applicants from underserved counties/towns. - Award notifications are sent via email after board approval; grantees must accept and complete follow-up forms before payment is issued. --- ## Additional Information - Funds may not be used for activities outside Minnesota, pre-award expenses, academic credit, endowment building, for-profit business expenses, ongoing rent/mortgage, or political/religious activities. - Accessibility improvements may include professional training, infrastructure upgrades, technology, or other measures to ensure program inclusivity. - Awardees must acknowledge ARAC and funding sources in all publicity per [logo and credit guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines). - All funded activities must comply with ADA and other civil rights requirements. - For accessibility resources, visit [ARAC Accessibility Resources](https://aracouncil.org/accessibility-resources). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/operating-support-grant) - [Grant Management Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) - [ARAC Logo & Acknowledgment Guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - [Accessibility Resources](https://aracouncil.org/accessibility-resources) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | General questions, accommodations| [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) | | Existing grantees (open projects)| [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) | | Phone (McKnight Foundation) | +1 612-333-4220 | | McKnight Foundation Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

Operating Support Grant

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