Arts Organization Development Program

The Arts Organization Development Grant, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), is designed to enhance the sustainability, growth, and infrastructure of nonprofit arts organizations serving Region 7W of Minnesota. Region 7W includes the counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright. This funding initiative is made possible by appropriations from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supporting proposals that improve long-term organizational capacity and delivery of arts programming. The program aligns with CMAB's objective to reinforce arts organizations through consulting services, internal strategies, and professional development that elevate their community impact. This grant offers up to $10,000 per applicant to support a wide range of eligible activities and purchases. These include staff time related to capacity-building, contracted training and professional development, specific equipment purchases (up to $4,999 of the grant amount), and expenses related to establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for arts groups using fiscal sponsorship. Proposals must demonstrate how these activities support internal development, artistic mission, sustainability, accessibility, and organizational growth. However, certain expenses are not eligible—such as costs associated with out-of-state travel beyond 10% of the request, religious instruction, legislative lobbying, relocation outside Minnesota, or re-granting and scholarships. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations located in Region 7W, arts groups working with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor to obtain nonprofit status, and arts affiliates operating as distinct arts programming under a nonprofit or public entity. Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses, schools, non-arts-focused organizations, and CMAB grantees with overdue final reports. The grant review process is competitive and includes an evaluation based on four criteria: Artistic Merit & Quality, Equity & Sustainability, Demonstrated Need, and Organizational Ability. Each proposal is scored on a 35-point scale, and only those meeting the threshold average are considered for funding. To apply, organizations must submit an online application by 11:59 PM on the stated deadline, including supporting documentation such as fiscal sponsorship agreements (if applicable), purchase quotes, brochures, and tax identification numbers. First-time users must create an account in the online grant system. A draft review is optional but encouraged and must be requested via email or fax at least two weeks before the application deadline. The application content includes narrative responses describing the organization’s mission, goals, proposed activities, beneficiaries, measurable outcomes, and evaluation plans. The final deadline for submitting applications is October 22, 2025. An optional draft review must be requested by October 1, 2025. Submitted proposals will be reviewed by the CMAB Board on December 11, 2025. All proposed activities must begin after this board review date and be completed within 12 months of board approval. Awardees will be notified by email and must sign a contractual agreement within 30 days. Final reports must be submitted within 30 days after completing funded activities. Questions can be directed to the Central Minnesota Arts Board at 320-968-4290 or by visiting their website at www.centralmnartsboard.org.

Reviewers score based on Artistic Merit & Quality, Equity & Sustainability, Demonstrated Need, and Organizational Ability. Use the criteria statements in narrative responses. Request a draft review for feedback before the deadline.