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

April 1, 2026 (reopens) | Rolling when open; closed January 5, 2026 (quarterly funds exhausted)

Up to $500 per award; rapid response; one-time support per emergency.

Provides immediate financial assistance to artists facing unforeseen emergencies that threaten their ability to continue creative work.

Applications only accepted while funds last each quarter; reviewed within a week of submission.

--- ## Description The Emergency Relief Grant is designed to provide quick, direct financial support to artists experiencing urgent, unforeseen emergencies that jeopardize their ability to continue their creative work. The grant aims to help artists address critical needs during times of crisis, ensuring their artistic practice can be sustained through difficult circumstances. Funding is distributed rapidly, with applications reviewed within a week, and is available on a rolling basis each quarter until funds are exhausted. --- ## Due Dates - **Next opening:** April 1, 2026 (applications accepted until quarterly funds are exhausted) - **Applications:** Rolling when open - **Most recent closure:** January 5, 2026 (quarterly funds exhausted) Applications are accepted at any time during open periods and are reviewed promptly. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum request:** Up to $500 per applicant - **Nature:** One-time, rapid response grant per emergency - **Disbursement:** Reviewed and awarded within a week of submission while funds last --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** Artists, creators, or culture bearers living in specified Minnesota counties (Region 2 Arts Council area) - **Purpose:** Must be experiencing an unforeseen emergency that threatens the ability to continue creative work - **Eligible emergencies:** Critical needs directly impacting artistic practice (e.g., medical emergencies, loss of essential equipment, catastrophic events) - **Restrictions:** Only for immediate emergency needs; not for planned projects, recurring expenses, or non-emergency situations - **Residency:** Must reside in the eligible counties; see program page for specific geographic requirements --- ## Application Process - **When to apply:** Submit online during open periods (quarterly, until funds are exhausted) - **How to apply:** - Complete the online application via the [Region 2 Arts Council grants portal](https://r2arts.org/emergencyrelief) - Provide documentation of the emergency and its impact on your creative work - Include required work samples and supporting materials as specified in the application guidelines - **Review process:** Applications are reviewed within one week of submission; awards made on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last - **Notification:** Applicants are notified promptly regarding the outcome --- ## Additional Information - **Quarterly funding:** New funds are released each quarter; the grant closes temporarily when funds are depleted and reopens at the next funding cycle - **Allowable expenses:** Direct costs related to the emergency (e.g., medical bills, replacement of essential equipment) - **Unallowable expenses:** Non-emergency or planned project expenses, grant writer fees, or costs incurred prior to the emergency --- ## External Links - [Emergency Relief Grant Details](https://r2arts.org/emergencyrelief) - [Region 2 Arts Council Grants Overview](https://r2arts.org/grants) - [McKnight Foundation Grantseeker Resources](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) - [Grant Application Portal (Login)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=r2arts) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Info | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | | Region 2 Arts Council | [Grant Info & Support](https://r2arts.org/grants) | ---

Emergency Relief Grant

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