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

February 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026

Up to $1,000 per award; one-time, project-based funding.

Supports artists in Southwest Minnesota with small grants for supplies, classes, or community-based art projects.

Applicants must be permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region for at least 6 months.

--- ## Description This grant provides up to $1,000 to individual artists for activities such as purchasing art supplies, attending professional development classes, or completing small artist-led community projects. The program is designed to offer quick, accessible support to help artists advance their creative work or professional growth, including both artist-focused and community-focused projects. All artistic disciplines are eligible, and artists at any career stage may apply. Funding is made possible by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2026: Full application deadline (by 4:00 pm) - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline (by 4:00 pm) - April 1, 2026: Full application deadline (by 4:00 pm) - May 1, 2026: Full application deadline (by 4:00 pm) Applications are due on the 1st of each month through May 2026, or until funds are expended. Earliest project start date is the 1st day of the month following the deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $1,000 per project - Funding is one-time and project-based - Grant counts toward taxable income --- ## Eligibility - Open to individual artists who are permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties, plus Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux and Cansayapi/Lower Sioux tribal communities. - Applicants must have lived in the region for at least 6 months prior to applying and remain a resident throughout the grant period. - Must be at least 18 years old. - Only one open SMAC grant for individuals at a time; must complete previous projects and reports before reapplying. - Not open to current SMAC board members, staff, or their immediate household members. - Ineligible activities include projects without an art focus, for-profit ventures, activities for degree requirements, fundraising, or projects begun before the approved start date. --- ## Application Process - Applications can be submitted online, by email (Word document), or by mail. [Online grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - Required materials: project description, budget, artist resume or bio, and work samples (attachments or links). - Optional: supplemental materials about equipment, supplies, study opportunities, or mentor qualifications. - Request a draft review at least one week before the deadline. - Applications are reviewed for eligibility, scored by a panel, and approved by the SMAC Board. - Notification of award typically occurs within a few days after board action. - Final report required within 60 days of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must conclude by June 30, 2027. - 100% of the grant award is disbursed upon contract signing and receipt of required documents. - Grantees must acknowledge SMAC and funders in all publicity materials. - Priority points may be awarded to first-time applicants, BIPOC artists, LGBTQIA2S+ artists, artists with disabilities, or those from underserved counties. - For questions or accommodations, applicants are encouraged to contact SMAC staff for assistance or to schedule a draft review. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-QSA-Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Questions (DOCX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-QSA-App-Questions.docx) - [Online Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=smahc) - [Budget Form (XLSX)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-Artist-Community-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [Scoring Criteria (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-QSA-Criteria.pdf) - [Panel Scoring Rubric (PDF)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FY26-QSA-Scoring-Rubric.pdf) - [Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Grant Page](https://swmnarts.org/grants-for-individual-artists/quick-support-for-artists-2/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Scheduling/Info | |---------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------| | SW MN Arts Council | [info@swmnarts.org](mailto:info@swmnarts.org) | 507-537-1471 or 800-622-5284 | [Schedule with Caroline Koska](https://calendly.com/carolinekoska-smac) | For further information, visit the [SMAC website](https://swmnarts.org).

Quick Support for Artists

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