Operating Support Grant Program

The Operating Support Grant is administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), which is one of Minnesota’s eleven regional arts councils. ARAC serves the seven counties of northeastern Minnesota and four tribal nations within the Arrowhead Region. ARAC’s funding is made possible through appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature, specifically the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (established through the Legacy Amendment), the State General Fund, and support from the McKnight Foundation. These funding sources prioritize arts access, arts education, and the preservation of cultural heritage, aiming to create inclusive opportunities for Minnesotans across demographics and geographies. The purpose of the Operating Support Grant is to provide arts organizations with flexible, unrestricted funding to sustain core programming and general operations. Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 in general operating support, with an optional addition of up to $2,000 for accessibility improvements through the Accessible Arts Opportunity. Combined, the maximum funding available per applicant can total $17,000. The Accessible Arts Opportunity is a pilot initiative designed to help organizations become more accessible to audiences, staff, and artists with disabilities by funding infrastructure, equipment, or professional services related to accessibility. Funds awarded through this program may be used for a range of operational activities. These include administrative and staffing fees, program development, accessibility improvements, supplies, and other general expenses directly supporting the applicant’s mission as an arts organization. Restrictions apply to capital purchases unrelated to accessibility, general-purpose rent or mortgage, political activities, religious proselytizing, academic tuition or credit-bearing coursework, and activities conducted outside of Minnesota. Any funds used in violation of these terms may be subject to repayment and future ineligibility. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations with at least 80% of their budget dedicated to arts programming, distinct arts programs within non-arts nonprofits, and unincorporated arts groups with fiscal sponsors. All applicants must be based in or serve the Arrowhead Region, which includes the counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, or the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake tribal nations. Organizations must have operated for at least one fiscal year and must not be receiving operating support from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same fiscal year. For groups applying through fiscal sponsorship, the sponsor must also meet specific criteria such as operational longevity and separation of funding records. The grant application opens on August 4, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on September 14, 2025. All applications must be submitted via ARAC's online grant management portal. Applications undergo a multi-stage review process, including eligibility screening, panel review by community members, and final approval by ARAC’s Board of Directors. The review panel will evaluate applications based on artistic excellence and merit, organizational leadership, capacity, accessibility, community impact, and evaluation methods. Panel review will occur between October 27–31, 2025, with notifications issued the week of November 21, 2025. Fund disbursement is expected by the month prior to the grant start date. The grant period for this funding cycle spans from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Organizations receiving funding must adhere to ARAC’s accessibility and civil rights standards and agree to retain records for at least three years after the grant period ends. If awarded, organizations are also responsible for completing final reports and acknowledging ARAC and its funders in all promotional materials. Questions about eligibility, guidelines, or required documentation may be directed to ARAC staff at info@aracouncil.org or by phone at 218-722-0952 during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM.

Submit early; request feedback two weeks before the deadline; ensure all contact details are correct; keep records of all expenses for three years.