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

January 2027 (References completion) | February 2027 (Full application submission)

$2,000 per scholarship; up to four awards per individual over a lifetime

Supports Region 7W residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field with direct education expenses.

Applicants must be residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN.

--- ## Description This scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals residing in Minnesota's Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County) who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field. The award is designed to cover direct education expenses such as tuition, room and board, and books at any accredited college or university. Applicants may receive the scholarship up to four times in their lifetime, supporting ongoing access to arts education for eligible students. --- ## Due Dates - **January 2027 (anticipated):** References completion deadline (three non-relative references must be completed before application submission) - **February 2027 (anticipated):** Full application submission deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Amount:** $2,000 per scholarship - **Renewability:** Individuals may apply annually and receive the scholarship up to four times in a lifetime - **Eligible Expenses:** Tuition, room and board, books, and other direct education costs charged by the institution --- ## Eligibility - Must be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota (Region 7W) for at least six months prior to application and remain a resident during the scholarship period - Must be seeking a first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field - Must attend an accredited institution full-time (institution may be outside Region 7W) - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident - Not eligible if: - Already completed an undergraduate degree - Have received four Student Arts Scholarships previously - Do not maintain residency in Region 7W during the scholarship period - Have overdue final reports from prior CMAB grants --- ## Application Process 1. **Create an Account:** Register on the [Central Minnesota Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). 2. **Prepare Materials:** - Most recent high school or unofficial college transcript - Artist work samples with descriptions (see guidelines for formats and requirements) - Three references from non-relatives (references must be completed before submitting the application) 3. **Complete Application:** Fill out all required sections, including educational goals, achievements, and an artist statement. 4. **Submit Online:** Applications must be submitted by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications (including missing references) are not accepted. 5. **Review Process:** Applications are scored on Artistic Merit/Quality and Applicant Ability. An average score of 15.0 or higher (out of 30) is required for funding consideration. 6. **Award Notification:** Applicants are notified in writing after board review. --- ## Additional Information - **Accessibility:** Alternative formats and language assistance are available upon request (allow 10 business days). - **Appeals:** Applicants may appeal procedural issues, not merit/quality decisions, within 15 business days of notification. - **Data Collection:** Demographic and discipline data are collected for reporting but not used in evaluation. - **Publicity:** Awardees’ art samples may be used for promotional purposes, but artists retain copyright. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines (Central MN Arts Board)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/student-art-scholarship/) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------|------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 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) | | ---

Student Arts Scholarship

Sign in to see full grant listing