2025 Equipment & Facilities Improvement Grants

The Equipment and Facilities Improvement grant program, funded by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), aims to strengthen the capacity of arts organizations in the region by providing funding for the purchase of equipment and facilities improvements. This aligns with SMAC's mission to support and serve the arts needs of Southwest Minnesota. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are available for a one-year duration from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The program targets nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status or official units of city, county, or state government in Minnesota, whose primary mission is arts-focused. Non-arts organizations are also eligible if their projects directly support community arts needs. Organizations must be located within SMAC's service region, encompassing eighteen counties and two tribal nations (Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community, Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community), acknowledging the traditional lands of the Dakota people. The goal is to enhance the infrastructure necessary for these organizations to effectively serve their communities. The program prioritizes improvements such as sound and lighting equipment, structural and accessibility enhancements, office equipment, and storage solutions. These investments are intended to improve the operational capabilities of arts organizations, leading to a more robust and accessible arts landscape within the region. The focus is on tangible improvements that directly contribute to an organization's capacity to deliver arts programming and services. Expected outcomes include an increase in the quality and reach of arts programming, improved accessibility for diverse audiences, and enhanced organizational sustainability for arts and arts-supporting entities. Measurable results could include the number of organizations receiving grants, the types of equipment purchased or improvements made, and anecdotal evidence of enhanced community engagement and artistic output resulting from these upgrades. SMAC's strategic priorities are implicitly supported by this grant, as it directly invests in the operational foundations of arts organizations, ensuring they have the necessary tools to achieve their artistic and community goals. By strengthening the capacity of these organizations, SMAC contributes to a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Southwest Minnesota, aligning with a theory of change that posits that direct investment in infrastructure empowers local arts groups to deliver greater impact and reach. Fiscal sponsorship is an option for organizations not yet registered as nonprofits, ensuring that newly formed or smaller volunteer-based groups can also access funding. The fiscal sponsor, who must meet the same eligibility requirements, is legally responsible for managing the grant funds and project completion, thereby ensuring accountability and responsible use of public resources. This mechanism broadens the reach of the grant program to support emerging and grassroots arts initiatives within the region.