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

Rolling (quarterly; next opens January 1, 2026)

Up to $500 per award; one-time, rapid-response funding; funds renewed quarterly.

Provides quick, short-term financial relief to eligible artists facing urgent, unexpected emergencies.

Applications are reviewed within a week; funding is first-come, first-served until quarterly funds are exhausted.

--- ## Description The Emergency Relief Grant offers rapid-response funding for artists, creators, performers, and culture bearers experiencing unexpected financial emergencies. Designed as a short-term solution, this grant helps artists manage urgent needs that could threaten their ability to continue creative work. The program operates on a rolling basis, with new funds available each quarter, and applications are reviewed quickly to provide timely support. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis when funds are available. - The next application window opens January 1, 2026. - Funds are renewed each quarter; apply as soon as possible when the window opens, as funding is first-come, first-served and may be exhausted before the next quarter. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $500 per applicant per quarter. - One-time, non-renewable per funding cycle. - Funds are dispersed by check; awarded until funds run out for the quarter. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be an artist, creator, performer, or culture bearer aged 18 or older. - Demonstrate ongoing creative practice in art, literature, music, theater, dance, or cultural activities (for a portion of their income). - Be a Minnesota resident living for at least the past six months in one of the five Region 2 Arts Council counties: Beltrami, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, or Hubbard. - OR be an enrolled tribal member or descendant residing in Itasca, Roseau, Cass, or Becker Counties (additional counties served through the Anishinaabe Arts Initiative). - Not have an overdue final report with the Region 2 Arts Council for any previous grant. - Not be an immediate family member of a Region 2 Arts Council staff, board, or Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Council member. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted online via the [Region 2 Arts Council grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts), or by mailing/dropping off a paper application. - [Download the paper application (PDF)](https://r2arts.org/s/Emergency-Relief-Grant-2026-Paper-Application.pdf). - Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility; clarification may be requested. - Eligible applications are processed in the order received (submission date or postmark for mailed applications). - Review and notification occur within one week of submission. - Funds are awarded until exhausted for each quarter. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include: replacement of lost/damaged equipment, storm damage repairs, loss of income due to disaster or illness, rent/mortgage, vehicle repair, food, transportation, medicine, utilities, monthly bills, family care, legal fees, and similar urgent needs. - Ineligible expenses: student loans, tuition, or fees for past/future academic credit courses. - Funds are not guaranteed; if funds are exhausted, applicants may reapply in the next quarter. - For additional assistance resources, see [List 1](https://r2arts.org/s/Copy-of-Lake-of-the-Woods-Community-Resource-1200-Updates.pdf), [List 2](https://r2arts.org/s/Assistance-Links.pdf), and [List 3](https://r2arts.org/s/Legal-Resources-in-Minnesota.docx). --- ## External Links - [Emergency Relief Grant Details](https://r2arts.org/emergencyrelief) - [Region 2 Arts Council Grants Overview](https://r2arts.org/grants) - [Apply Online](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Phone | 218-751-5447 (office) / 218-407-2507 (text) | | Email | [staff@r2arts.org](mailto:staff@r2arts.org) | | Mailing | Region 2 Arts Council, PO Box 693, Bemidji, MN 56619 | | In-person | Watermark Art Center, 505 Bemidji Ave. North, Bemidji, MN | | Grant Portal| [Region 2 Arts Council Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts) | ---

Emergency Relief Grant

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