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

April 15, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

$1,000 award to one individual annually

Recognizes a southwest Minnesota teacher/educator for long-term, impactful contributions to the arts.

2026 nominations are limited to teachers/educators; only one recipient per year.

--- ## Description The Prairie Disciple Award is an annual recognition program that honors one individual from southwest Minnesota whose sustained involvement has significantly contributed to the arts. The award aims to increase awareness and appreciation of arts advocates whose long-term dedication has had a substantial impact on their communities and the broader Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region. For 2026, only teachers and educators are eligible for nomination. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (nominations must be submitted online by this date) --- ## Funding Amount - $1,000 awarded to one individual each year - Only one recipient is selected annually --- ## Eligibility - **Nominee must be a teacher or educator** (for 2026 cycle only) - Must have resided in the SMAC (Southwest Minnesota Arts Council) region for at least one year - Award can only be received once in a lifetime - Current SMAC board members are not eligible - Nominations must be made by someone other than the nominee - Nominations do not carry over from year to year; previous nominees must be re-nominated if not selected --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted through the [SMAC online grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC) - Required materials: - Resume or background information of the nominee - At least two letters of recommendation (PDF or JPEG preferred; can be uploaded or emailed to info@swmnarts.org) - Additional support materials (optional; up to two uploads allowed) - Web links supporting the nomination (optional, but cannot be the only attachments) - The nominator must provide contact information and certify the accuracy of the nomination - [Nomination guidelines and questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FY26-PD-Guidelines-Questions.docx) are available to assist with preparing your submission - Board action on nominations will occur on April 28, 2026 --- ## Additional Information - Past recipients have included artists, educators, and community leaders throughout the SMAC region - Nominations are confidential; nominees are only notified if selected - Social media links can be included as supplementary material, but must be accompanied by screenshots or stills --- ## External Links - [Prairie Disciple Award program page (SMAC)](https://swmnarts.org/prairie-disciple-award/) - [Nomination guidelines & questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FY26-PD-Guidelines-Questions.docx) - [SMAC online grant system (submit nomination)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC) - [Video tutorial for SMAC grant system](https://youtu.be/0K0ByI5bvlY) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Scheduling/Info | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------| | Grants Administrator | [caroline@swmnarts.org](mailto:caroline@swmnarts.org) | (800) 622-5284 | [Schedule a call](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | | General Inquiries | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | (800) 622-5284 | [Contact form](https://swmnarts.org/contact-us/) | ---

Prairie Disciple Award

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