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

September 2026

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

Provides unrestricted operating and accessibility funding to arts organizations in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region to strengthen programming, operations, and inclusion.

For arts organizations in ARAC’s service region only; eligibility and restrictions apply.

--- ## Description This program offers unrestricted operating support to arts organizations based in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region, aiming to sustain core programming, staffing, and general operations. An optional Accessible Arts opportunity provides additional funding to improve organizational accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The grant is intended to help organizations strengthen their capacity, advance community engagement, and ensure the sustainability and growth of the arts in the region. Funding is made possible by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature and support from the McKnight Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $15,000 for operating support - Optional: Up to $2,000 additional for accessibility improvements (Accessible Arts opportunity) - Total possible per organization: $17,000 - Grant period: Typically one calendar year (January 1 – December 31) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be an arts-producing, arts-presenting, community arts school/conservatory, or artist service organization - Have operated as an arts organization for at least one full fiscal year - Be able to provide a financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year - Not have received Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same fiscal year - Meet one of the following structural criteria: - Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organization with at least 80% of its budget dedicated to the arts - Arts affiliate within a Minnesota-based public nonprofit 501(c)(3) non-arts institution - Unincorporated arts group/organization working with a fiscal sponsor (fiscal sponsor must meet specific requirements) - Be located in ARAC’s service region: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties, or one of the following tribal nations: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (District I) - Have maintained residency in the region for at least six months prior to the deadline and throughout the project - Have arts and/or culture-bearing as the project’s primary focus **Ineligible applicants/activities include:** - For-profit businesses (LLCs, C-Corps, S-Corps) - Organizations receiving Operating Support from the MN State Arts Board for the same period - Organizations receiving direct appropriations from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment or State of Minnesota - Activities outside Minnesota, political/lobbying activities, fundraising/endowment campaigns, and certain capital expenses (unless for accessibility) --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [ARAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) - Application materials and guidelines are available on the [program page](https://www.aracouncil.org/operating-support-grant) - ARAC staff can provide feedback up to 10 business days before the deadline - After submission, applications undergo eligibility review, then panel review based on published criteria (artistic excellence, community accessibility, organizational capacity, evaluation) - Award notifications are sent via email after board approval; grantees must accept and complete follow-up forms in the portal to receive funds --- ## Additional Information - Grantees must acknowledge ARAC and funding sources in all publicity, following [logo and credit guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - All funded activities must comply with civil rights and accessibility requirements - Accessibility resources and guidance are available through [ARAC’s accessibility resources page](https://www.aracouncil.org/accessibility-resources) - Only one ARAC grant may be active at a time per applicant; prior grants must be closed out before new funds are awarded - Applicants are encouraged to contact ARAC for eligibility questions or technical support --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application](https://www.aracouncil.org/operating-support-grant) - [Grant Portal (Apply/Manage Grants)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) - [ARAC Accessibility Resources](https://www.aracouncil.org/accessibility-resources) - [Logo & Acknowledgment Guidelines](https://www.aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) | | [ARAC](https://www.aracouncil.org/) | | Current Grant Holders | [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) | | [Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil&) | | McKnight Foundation | | +1 612-333-4220 | [McKnight Foundation Contact](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) |

Operating Support Grant

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