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

February 2026 (Application) | March 2026 (Panel Review) | April 2026 (Board Review)

$2,000 per scholarship; individuals may receive up to four scholarships in their lifetime.

Provides scholarships to Minnesota residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field.

Applicants must reside in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W).

--- ## Description The Student Arts Scholarship program, funded by the Minnesota State General Fund and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), supports emerging artists seeking their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field. The scholarship aims to foster arts talent within the community by providing financial assistance for educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, and books. Recipients may attend an accredited institution anywhere, provided they maintain residency in Region 7W. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline (Anticipated):** February 2026 - **Panel Review (Anticipated):** March 2026 - **Board Review (Anticipated):** April 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award:** $2,000 per scholarship. - **Renewability:** Individuals may apply annually and receive up to four scholarships in their lifetime. - **Use of Funds:** Educational expenses that can be charged directly to the institution (e.g., tuition, room and board, books). --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following criteria: - Be planning to attend an accredited institution **full-time** and major in an **arts-related field**. - 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. - Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status. - Seeking their **first undergraduate degree**. - May attend college or university anywhere, but must maintain Region 7W residency. - **Not eligible if:** - You have already completed an undergraduate degree. - You have received four Student Arts Scholarships previously. - You have overdue final reports for any prior CMAB grants. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Materials:** - Most recent high school transcript, unofficial college transcript, or equivalent document. - Artist work samples with descriptions (see guidelines for accepted formats and disciplines). - Three references from instructors, employers, or other non-family members (submitted via online form). 2. **Create an Account:** - Apply online via the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - First-time applicants must create an account; see the [Applicant Tutorial](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) for step-by-step instructions. 3. **Submit Application:** - Complete and submit the online application by 11:59 PM on the deadline date. - Ensure all references are submitted before the deadline. 4. **Review Process:** - Applications are scored by a review panel and must attain an average of 15.0 or higher (out of 30) to be considered for funding. - Applicants will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision. - All review meetings are open to the public; agendas and dates are posted on the [CMAB Grants Calendar](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/). 5. **Award and Disbursement:** - Awarded applicants must return a signed scholarship contract and submit registration confirmation before funds are issued to the institution. --- ## Additional Information - **Accessibility:** Alternative formats (Braille, large print, audio) and language interpretation are available upon request (allow at least 10 working days). - **Draft Review:** Applicants can request a draft review of their application at least two weeks before the deadline by emailing [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org). - **Appeals:** Appeals are permitted only for procedural errors, not for disagreements over funding decisions or artistic merit. --- ## External Links - [Student Arts Scholarship Program Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/student-art-scholarship/) - [CMAB Grants Portal (Apply Here)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Current Guidelines (DOCX)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY25_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.docx) - [CMAB Grants Calendar](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/) - [Sign Up for CMAB Arts News](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/enews-sign-up/) - [About the McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard) | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | - | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 1-866-825-1471 (toll free) | ---

Student Arts Scholarship - McKnight Foundation

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