Central Minnesota Arts Grants

The Central Minnesota Arts Grants program is administered annually by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. This grant initiative is designed to support the development and delivery of arts programming across four counties in Central Minnesota: Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, and Wright. By funding both dedicated arts organizations and other nonprofits integrating arts into their programming, the foundation aims to broaden access to the arts, enhance appreciation, and foster engagement with visual and performing arts throughout the region. The grant supports a variety of strategies including program development, general operations, and implementation activities. Funding amounts typically range from $5,000 to $7,500. Projects should demonstrate artistic merit and respond to a clear community demand. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially those that involve community partnerships and have the potential to attract further investment into the local arts ecosystem. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities, as long as the proposed program serves residents within the four designated counties. The program specifically excludes individuals, religious or political organizations for their primary activities, fundraising drives, endowments, debt retirement, and projects already completed. Scholarships and standalone travel or conference costs are also ineligible. Multi-year requests and requests to backfill government budget cuts are not permitted. Applicants must submit their proposals through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. Applications open on February 1 and are due by March 31 at 11:59pm. The Grant Advisory Committee evaluates proposals and makes recommendations to the foundation's Board of Directors, which holds the authority for final funding decisions. All communications are conducted via email. Grantees are required to submit a signed Grant Agreement electronically before disbursement. A final report is mandatory at the conclusion of the funding period, and a progress report may be requested if deemed necessary. All post-award documentation is handled through the same online grant system. Decisions are typically made within 90 days of the application deadline.

Prioritize artistic merit and community engagement; demonstrate collaborative partnerships; show alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.