2026 Equipment and Facilities Improvement Grant Program

The Equipment and Facilities Improvement Grant, offered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), is designed to enhance the capacity of organizations to meet the arts needs of the region through funding for equipment purchases and facilities improvements. Typical projects include sound and lighting upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and essential office or storage equipment. While arts-focused organizations are the primary beneficiaries, non-arts entities may apply if their project supports community arts endeavors. This program is funded by a legislative appropriation from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, reflecting the state's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment through local infrastructure investments. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations incorporated under Section 501(c)(3) or official government units within Minnesota, specifically those located in the SMAC service area. This includes 18 counties and two tribal communities in Southwest Minnesota. Applicants that do not own their facilities must provide cooperative agreements, and those without nonprofit status can apply using an eligible fiscal sponsor. Applicants are ineligible if their project lacks an arts focus, involves new building construction, is primarily educational within a school system, or involves out-of-state expenses, among other restrictions. The grant awards up to $10,000 per project, with a lifetime cap of $50,000 per organization for this specific grant type. Applicants may receive a maximum of $20,000 in total SMAC grants per fiscal year. Funds must be used exclusively for eligible expenses and cannot be used for profit-making events, debt retirement, or activities outside the SMAC region. Applications are accepted through SMAC’s online system, by email, or by mail, and assistance is available through staff consultations, info sessions, and draft reviews. Application materials include a budget, board list, facility agreements, and optional supporting documentation like diagrams or photos. The application process includes an eligibility review by SMAC staff, followed by panel review based on criteria such as project feasibility, artistic merit, and organizational impact. Priority points are awarded to first-time applicants, underrepresented-led groups, and applicants from underfunded counties. The SMAC board makes final funding decisions based on panel recommendations. Notification of grant status follows board review, and contracts must be signed within 30 days of award announcements. Important deadlines include a draft review request deadline of January 14, 2026, a final application deadline of January 28, 2026, and the earliest start date of March 1, 2026. Projects must conclude by June 30, 2027. Reporting is required within 60 days of project completion. SMAC contact information includes email at info@swmnarts.org and phone numbers 507-537-1471 or 800-622-5284.