SMAC Quick Support for Organizations in Minnesota

The Quick Support for Organizations grant program, administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), provides expedited funding for planning and small arts-related projects within the SMAC service area. The program operates from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and is funded by a legislative appropriation from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund, supported by the state’s voters. The intent of the program is to strengthen arts engagement in the region by enabling organizations to initiate smaller-scale, high-impact projects or lay the groundwork for larger efforts. Applicants may select from five project types. Public Art Project Planning supports preparatory work for significant regional art initiatives, such as issuing artist requests for proposals, gathering community input, or assessing feasibility and sustainability. Small Arts Projects may involve exhibitions, performances, community art classes outside of school settings, or public art installations. Small Equipment Purchase grants assist with acquisitions that improve organizational capacity to serve local arts needs. Arts Organization Development funds may be used by arts-focused nonprofits for training, hiring consultants, conducting community surveys, or creating new programs. Arts Organization Start-Up grants help new arts nonprofits develop foundational documents, pursue 501(c)(3) status, and build administrative infrastructure. Grant awards are available up to $2,500, with a cap of $20,000 per organization per fiscal year across all SMAC grants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and official units of city, county, or state government within the SMAC service region: the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine, as well as the Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community and Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community. Organizations without nonprofit status may apply through a qualifying fiscal sponsor. Certain project types are restricted to organizations whose mission is primarily arts-focused. Ineligible activities include non-arts projects, school-based educational programming, fundraising events, travel outside Minnesota, profit-making ventures, projects closed to the public, and activities for religious socialization or political advocacy. Applications are accepted monthly from August 1, 2025 through May 1, 2026, with deadlines at 4:00 p.m. on the first of each month. Applicants are encouraged to request a draft review at least one week before a deadline. The SMAC Board acts on proposals on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with the earliest project start date being the first of the following month after board approval. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. The application process may be completed online, via email submission of a Word document, or in paper form by mail or drop-off, with accommodations available upon request. Applications are evaluated by a grant review panel on two main criteria: Ability to Accomplish the Project (33%) and Impact of the Project (67%). Factors considered include clarity of plan, organizational capacity, budget soundness, marketing plans, artistic quality, community benefit, and inclusivity, particularly in engaging underserved populations. Priority points are available for first-time SMAC applicants, organizations led by or serving underrepresented communities, or applicants from counties with limited prior SMAC funding. The panel’s recommendations are submitted to the SMAC Board for final decision-making. Funded applicants must sign an electronic grant contract within 30 days of notification and acknowledge SMAC’s support using the specified credit line and logo in all promotional materials. A final report is required within 60 days of project completion, detailing outcomes, participation, and financials. Failure to submit the report on time may result in penalties on future applications. Questions and draft reviews can be directed to SMAC staff via email at info@swmnarts.org or by calling 507-537-1471 or 800-622-5284. Additional information and resources are available at www.swmnarts.org.

Request draft review at least one week before deadline; contact staff to confirm eligibility; ensure all materials are complete; adhere to 4:00 p.m. deadline.