[Arrowhead Regional Arts Council](https://www.aracouncil.org)

August 2025 (Application Opens) | September 2025 (Deadline) | January 2026 (Project Start)

Up to $15,000 annually for general operating support; one-year grant period.

Provides annual operating support to nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota's Arrowhead region to sustain and expand their programming and activities.

--- ## Description The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) Operating Support Grant offers annual funding to nonprofit arts organizations located in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. The grant is designed to bolster the overall operations of arts organizations, enabling them to continue or expand their programming, arts activities, and community engagement. Funding is intended for general operating expenses rather than specific projects, with a focus on organizational sustainability and capacity-building. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated Application Open:** August 2025 - **Anticipated Application Deadline:** September 2025 (at 11:59 p.m.) - **Anticipated Earliest Project Start:** January 2026 _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the [program page](https://www.aracouncil.org/operating-support-grant) for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Award:** Up to $15,000 per year - **Grant Period:** One year (annual application required for renewal) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: - Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization or a fiscally sponsored arts organization (with at least 80% of its budget dedicated to the arts). - Be located within ARAC’s seven-county service area: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, or the Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Bois Forte, and Leech Lake nations within Itasca County. - Have operated as an arts organization for at least one full fiscal year and be able to provide a financial statement for the most recently completed fiscal year. - Produce or present arts programs, services, or projects that are relevant to its community and accessible to the public. **Ineligible organizations:** - Those receiving operating support from the Minnesota State Arts Board or direct appropriations from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. - Organizations receiving direct funding from the state. - For-profit entities and organizations not primarily focused on the arts. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through the [ARAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil). - Applicants must complete all required sections, including organizational information, programming history, vision for the coming year, and responses to evaluation criteria. - Requests for feedback or advisement should be submitted well before the deadline. - Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. **Key application components:** - Description of recent programming and its impact - Plans for the coming year - Community accessibility and engagement strategies - Organizational leadership and capacity - Compliance with ADA and non-discrimination requirements --- ## Additional Information - Funding decisions are made by a peer review panel of artists, arts administrators, and community representatives from the Arrowhead region, with final approval by the ARAC Board. - Grantees must comply with all federal and state non-discrimination laws and acknowledge ARAC support in all publicity. - Grant funds may be used for general operating expenses, arts programs, services, projects, public art, and limited equipment purchases (no more than 25% of the total request). - Funds may not be used for capital improvements, re-granting, activities outside Minnesota, or activities for the exclusive benefit of organization members. --- ## External Links - [Operating Support Grant Program Page](https://www.aracouncil.org/operating-support-grant) - [ARAC Grant Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aracouncil) - [Organization Grants Overview](https://www.aracouncil.org/organization) - [Grant Guidelines PDF](https://www.aracouncil.org/s/Operating-Support-FY25-1.pdf) - [ARAC Logo Guidelines](https://aracouncil.org/logo-guidelines) - [Accessibility Resources](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@aracouncil.org](mailto:info@aracouncil.org) | (218) 722-0952 | 332 West Superior Street, Suite 204, Duluth, MN 55802 | | Grant Assistance | [grants@aracouncil.org](mailto:grants@aracouncil.org) | | | | Technical Assistance | [admin@aracouncil.org](mailto:admin@aracouncil.org) | | | ---

Operating Support Grant - McKnight Foundation

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