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

January 30, 2026 (Reference forms due) | February 5, 2026 (Full application deadline)

$2,000 per award; up to four scholarships per individual over a lifetime

Supports Region 7W Minnesota residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field with funding for educational expenses.

Three non-relative reference forms must be completed by January 30, 2026, for application eligibility.

--- ## Description This scholarship program provides $2,000 awards to individuals residing in Minnesota’s Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties) who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field. Recipients may attend any accredited college or university, regardless of location, as long as they maintain residency in Region 7W during the scholarship period. Scholarship funds can be used for education expenses charged directly to the institution, such as tuition, room and board, and books. Applicants may apply each year and receive up to four Student Arts Scholarships in their lifetime. The program is administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board and funded by the Minnesota State General Fund. --- ## Due Dates - **January 30, 2026:** Deadline for completion of three non-relative reference forms (must be completed before submitting the application) - **February 5, 2026:** Full application deadline (applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM) Applications received after these deadlines, or without three completed reference forms, are ineligible for review. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $2,000 per scholarship - **Maximum Awards:** Individuals may receive up to four scholarships in their lifetime - **Use of Funds:** Educational expenses charged directly to the institution (e.g., tuition, room and board, books) --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a current Minnesota resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County (Region 7W) for at least six months prior to application and maintain residency during the scholarship period - Plan to attend an accredited institution full-time and major in an arts-related field - Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status - Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree (not available to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree) - Have not previously received four Student Arts Scholarships - Not have overdue final reports from prior CMAB grants **Ineligible applicants include:** - Those not maintaining residency in Region 7W - Those who have already completed an undergraduate degree - Those who have already received four Student Arts Scholarships - Those with overdue final reports from previous CMAB grants --- ## Application Process 1. **Create an Account:** Access the [CMAB grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) to create an account (use your last name as the organization name if applying as an individual). 2. **Prepare Materials:** - Most recent high school transcript, unofficial college transcript, or equivalent document - Artist work samples with descriptions (see guidelines for formats and requirements) - Three references from non-relatives (instructors, employers, etc.). Reference forms must be completed online by January 30, 2026. 3. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit the online application by 11:59 PM on February 5, 2026. 4. **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed and scored based on artistic merit/quality and applicant ability. Applicants must achieve an average score of 15.0 or higher (on a 1–30 scale) for funding consideration. 5. **Award Notification:** Applicants are notified in writing of the board’s decision. Award recipients must return a scholarship contract and provide registration confirmation before funds are issued to the post-secondary institution. **Resources:** - [Guidelines PDF](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.pdf) - [Guidelines DOCX](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.docx) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) --- ## Additional Information - Applications missing any required materials (including three completed reference forms) will not be reviewed. - The program accommodates applicants with disabilities or language needs; contact CMAB at least 10 working days in advance for assistance. - All review meetings are open to the public. - Applicants under 18 must include a parent/guardian signature. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Student Arts Scholarship](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/student-art-scholarship/) - [Manage Grants / Apply](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Guidelines PDF](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.pdf) - [Guidelines DOCX](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.docx) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Central MN Arts Board Contact](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------| | General Inquiries | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 / 1-866-825-1471 | | Kaitlin Pohland, Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Su Legatt, Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | - [Contact form and additional staff directory](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) - Virtual office hours and one-on-one assistance available by appointment via [this link](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8d4accacb62745bea4c86ac40f9f3070@centralmnartsboard.org?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard)

Student Arts Scholarship

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