Minnesota grants for Nonprofits

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council offers annual operating support of up to $15,000 for nonprofit arts organizations located in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. Donor Name: Arrowhead Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Aitkin County (MN), Carlton County (MN), Cook County (MN), Itasca County (MN), Koochiching County (MN), Lake County (MN), Saint Louis County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Operating Support is intended for overall arts organization operations, continuing or expanding programming, and arts activities. Eligibility Criteria Arts organizations must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (an organization with an IRS-designated 501(c)3 status) In addition, a fiscally sponsored arts organization with 80% of its budget designated to the arts also qualifies. Additionally The organization must be located within the seven Minnesota counties served by ARAC: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Lake, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties, as well as the Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Bois Forte, and Leech Lake nations within Itasca county. The organization must produce or present arts programs, services or projects that are relevant to its community and are available to the public. The organization has operated as an arts organization for at least one full fiscal year and can provide a financial statement for their most recently completed fiscal year at the time of application. Grant Funds are Eligible for but not limited to: General Operating Support (costs related to organization overhead expenses) Arts programs (an established or ongoing creative endeavor) Arts services (providing services for artists, arts organizations, or the arts community) Arts projects (the origination of a creative endeavor that may include collaborations with artisPts and other organizations) Support services needed relating to hosting artists and arts organizations (ex. performances by touring artists/companies) Exhibitions such as visual art shows Local theatre productions For hosting of arts events by contracting for the services of another organization or individual to provide arts programming to our local or regional community Residencies involving a professional artist or culture bearer Workshops, classes, publications, films, and presentations that promote artists or participation in the arts Public art projects Art equipment not exceeding 25% of overall funds requested Other projects providing access to the arts for community audiences For more information, visit ARAC.

This program provides funding to non-profits and public organizations for projects that improve the community in areas such as arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation within the ISD 88 region.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants provides financial support for charitable, educational and health care related activities, projects and services benefiting residents and visitors of Roseau County. Donor Name: Northwest Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota County: Roseau County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund includes a general endowment fund as well as several sub-funds that support specific purposes, such as cancer care, diabetes and dialysis care, updating and replacing medical equipment, hospice projects, and financial assistance for individuals and families that have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or child. Funding Information Grant more than $175,000. Grant Proposal Guidelines The LifeCare Health Care Fund will consider grant requests from nonprofit organizations for monies from the following funds: General Endowment – The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for health care, wellness, and senior living related charitable and educational activities, projects or services benefiting residents and visitors to the LifeCare Medical Center service area.        Roseau Eagles Auxiliary Diabetes and Dialysis – The purpose of this fund is to provide direct financial support for equipment, training, patient support or other related purposes for diabetic and dialysis needs in Roseau County. Think Pink Breast Cancer  – The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for patient transportation, education, equipment, and activities related to breast cancer programs within the communities served by LifeCare Medical Center.  Roseau County Cancer – The purpose of this fund is to provide funding for projects, programs, equipment, and services necessary to meet the needs of the community as they relate to cancer care and support of individuals being treated for cancer at Lifecare Medical Center or that reside in Lifecare’s service area. Selection Criteria  Selection Criteria will focus on: How the project/program fits within the mission of LifeCare Health Care Funds, as well as the purpose of the fund being accessed. The scope of the project/program. The number of participants served, number of communities served and number of organizations served. For more information, visit Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

The 2024-25 Giving Project Grant specifically seeks to support organizations whose work advances gender justice in Minnesota. Donor Name: Headwaters Foundation for Justice State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Giving Project is dedicated to funding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led, grassroots, community-based organizations across Minnesota that use community organizing as a core strategy to advance equity and justice. Areas of interest for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant include but are not limited to: reproductive justice; bodily autonomy; queer and trans justice; gender equity; healthcare equity and access; anti-gender-based violence; and leadership development for gender-oppressed folks of color. Funding Information The organizations selected for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant will receive unrestricted, general operating grants of $40,000 paid out over two years, $20,000 per year. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, an organization must: Be a legally incorporated entity with 501(c)(3), or, 501(c)(4) status, or have a fiscal sponsor, or be a tribal nation/tribal entity. Be based in and carry out their work in Minnesota. In addition, eligible organizations may: Be a current or past Headwaters’ grantee partner. Be new to Headwaters. Be either an emerging or established organization. For more information, visit Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

The Julianne Williams Fund, managed by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, offers grants between $1,000 and $8,000 to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, schools, or government entities within a 30-mile radius of St. Cloud, Minnesota, that aim to empower girls and young women through physical and outdoor activities, and promote mutual respect between genders, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a grant of over $1 million to public, private, and nonprofit owners of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Minnesota to replace their old vehicles with new, cleaner models, aiming to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The Ramsey County is seeking applications for its Ramsey County Trusted Messenger Initiative Grants. Donor Name: Ramsey County State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of these grants is to generate and grow innovative ways to deliver a variety of public health services, resources and information. Focus an Scope Services Each organization must only submit one application and can only select one priority area below. Healthy Communities: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to culturally informed public health information and programs which include healthy aging, Hmong health, sexual violence services, adolescent health, and child and teen checkups. Extra effort is made to reach racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families and new Minnesotans who face the greatest health inequalities, language barriers, and/or may be isolated from county and other community services. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The applicant collaborates to increase WIC program awareness and referrals of pregnant and postpartum women and their children so they may receive healthy food, nutrition education and lactation support. Extra effort is made to reach people early in pregnancy and multigenerational African American populations. Family Health and Home Visiting: The applicant collaborates to promote equity in birth outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse communities, especially African American, Native American, Latino/x and immigrant populations. Extra effort is made to support families, fathers and other caregivers, to navigate care before and after birth and to increase cultural and community connections using a holistic approach. Clinical Services: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to vaccines and immunizations, tuberculosis care, sexual and reproductive health services such as HIV and STD testing and treatment, syringe services, wound care, naloxone training and outreach for people using drugs. Environmental Health: The applicant collaborates to find creative ways to increase participation in food scraps pick-up, household hazardous waste drop-off and electronics recycling programs, especially within racially and ethnically diverse communities. They also increase awareness of the Environmental Service Center, the future “one stop shop” for recycling and waste collection. Climate Action: The applicant collaborates to increases awareness of climate change and its impacts on health as well as the county’s resources and programs to lessen those impacts. Funding Information Ramsey County Public Health is continuing this initiative and anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants, up to $36,000 each. Eligibility Criteria Current and former Trusted Messenger organizations may apply. The following are not requirements, however these people or organizations are encouraged to apply: Those who have never contracted with Ramsey County before. Ethnically and culturally diverse, women-owned or veteran-owned organizations. Organizations with less than 50 employees. Organizations serving not only Ramsey County but also adjacent counties including Dakota County. For more information, visit Ramsey County.

This funding opportunity supports cultural and historical projects that commemorate the 50-year presence of Southeast Asians in Minnesota, aimed at organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing this significant community history.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Itasca Area of Minnesota to help them address community needs and improve the quality of life through innovative projects and collaboration.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hunger and Homeless Grant Program towards agencies serving adults, families and youth experiencing homelessness and food insecurity throughout Minnesota. Donor Name: Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The primary goal is to ensure that these providers of crisis services have the tools, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to best serve those in need. Preference is given to services for people who are currently homeless – on the street or in shelters. Funding Priorities The focus of agency services is on the front end of the continuum. For agencies serving individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness, preference is given to services for those who are currently homeless – on the street or in shelters (Emergency or Domestic Violence Shelters). Transitional housing has lower priority than shelter. Permanent supportive housing programs are unlikely to receive funding. Hunger programs must be open and free to all in need. Geographic service boundaries are acceptable, but agencies requiring program participation, membership, purchase of food, attendance/participation in religious service, etc., as a requirement to receive food are unlikely to be funded. Infrastructure or equipment for shelters or food shelves must benefit the areas where clients are served improve access to services. Administrative areas, parking lots, etc., are unlikely to be funded. Preference is given to projects that remove barriers, increase the numbers of people served and/or improve the quality of services provided. Funding Information $7,000 Eligible Activities The primary purpose of the Hunger and Homeless Grant is to assist agencies in increasing the number of people served and/or improving the quality of services provided. This can be reflected through facility enhancements within areas directly serving those in need such as repair/replacement of HVAC, added shelter beds and increased refrigeration and storage; through activities that remove barriers for homeless youth in their educational pursuits such as program fees, transportation, and activity costs; and through the funding of hotel vouchers, street outreach supplies, and funding towards securing identification. Eligibility Criteria Agencies serving Minnesotans experiencing food and or housing insecurity as the agency’s primary function. Agencies serving children and youth (up to 24) experiencing housing insecurity in Minnesota. Agencies must have 501(c)3 status OR be recognized as tax exempt by the IRS (i.e., schools, units of government or tribal governments) OR use a fiscal agent with 501(c)3 status. Agencies must have completed the grant closure form for previously awarded grants and returned any unused funds to OYH to follow OYH grant requirements.  Agency does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history). For more information, visit OYH.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mardag Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Mardag Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Mardag Foundation believes that the community should not only benefit from the work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. The work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity. Funding Priorities The Mardag Foundation has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following: Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.  Priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing. Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.). Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming. Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts & Culture Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of the humanity and should be honored and celebrated.” Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts. Types of Grants The Foundation will consider grant applications for: General Operating Support These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota. Any organization meeting this threshold is eligible for general operating support (including organizations that have never previously received support from Mardag Foundation). Capital Projects Capital projects must be located in Greater Minnesota or the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization must benefit Greater Minnesota and/or East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years. Geographic Areas  The Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing people experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Where work is informed, formed and led by the people most impacted by it. Ineligibility The Foundation will not consider grant applications for: Organizations using fiscal sponsors Organizations exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area Scholarships and grants to individuals Sectarian religious programs or organizations Federated campaigns Events and conferences Capital campaigns of private secondary schools Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities Program/project specific requests For more information, visit Mardag Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in specific Minnesota counties for creating and promoting diverse artistic activities that engage local communities, particularly those benefiting underserved populations.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage (ACH) program provides funding for arts organizations directly engaged in the creation of art, the production of artistic performances, or the sponsorship of quality arts activities in the local communities. Donor Name: Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Blue Earth County (MN), Brown County (MN), Faribault County (MN), LeSueur County (MN), Martin County (MN), Nicollet County (MN), Sibley County (MN), Waseca County (MN), Watonwan County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This program is made possible by the Arts and Culture Heritage Fund, created by the people of Minnesota to support the arts and preserve the heritage. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds this program, through the Minnesota State Legislature. Disciplines may include dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, folk and traditional art. A variety of activities including art and music festivals, community choirs, dance performances, literary readings, instrumental and vocal music concerts, public art projects, theater productions, visual art classes and exhibitions are eligible. The organization should describe their arts programming and request funds for those activities in the expense categories listed on the application budget. Funds may be used for on-going programs, in-person or virtual, and groups are encouraged to offer new and different activities with the grant funds or enhance their events. Prairie Lakes values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community and this is reflected in the policies, programs, and the community they serve. They are committed to countering systemic inequities that exclude individuals and communities from access to the arts based on race, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography. This may include historically marginalized and underserved groups such as: Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), People with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, etc.), and Senior Citizens. Types of Grants ACH Arts Project Grant. Arts Programming and Access – maximum request $9,000. Funds can be used for in-person or virtual Arts programming, activities, and events. Also, equipment that improves the artistic capabilities of the organization including sound equipment, lights, risers, office equipment, computer, monitor, software, etc. is fundable. ACH Arts and Music Festival Grant. Arts Programming – maximum request $6,000. A celebration of art and culture should include: Has a significant focus on the arts. Preferably provides a showcase of Minnesota artists. Contains many activities consolidated into a condensed time period. Has several different, yet related, arts activities happening simultaneously. Is open, inviting, and available to a diverse audience. ACH Arts Education Grant. Maximum request $6,000. Public Schools. This is available to all public or private non-parochial schools (K-12) in the nine-county area. The focus is to provide educational partnerships between local and regional professional artists, arts, organizations, and schools. To enhance school arts curriculum by providing artist residencies, live arts performances, mini-workshops, and arts related field trips. To enhance programs and curriculum design through visits to professional artists’ studios, performances by professional theatre, dance or musical groups, readings by writers, visits to art galleries, exhibitions, and other locations pertinent to the creation and exhibition of art. To collaborate with arts organizations in the region to perform in their school and/or community. Grant Period All projects should be completed within one year. Eligibility Criteria The applicant organization must have an address and provide arts programming within the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council region. This includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan. Non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organizations, non-profit community groups, schools, public organizations or units of governments that produce or sponsor arts activities within the region are eligible. An arts group located within the region, formed as a limited liability company (LLC) with a not-for-profit intent may be eligible to apply if they are using a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council.

The Artist in Residence (AIR) program provides funds of up to $3,500 to schools and nonprofit organizations in support of activities directed by, or conducted in cooperation with, an artist who engages students and enables learning through the creative process. Donor Name: Central MN Arts Board State: Minnesota County: Benton County (MN), Sherburne County (MN), Stearns County (MN), Wright County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: More than 10 Years Details: Resident artists must be chosen based on their ability to enhance programs and curriculum. An ideal residency is composed of a balance between demonstration and hands-on activity. Artists-in-Residence enrich student experiences by sharing and demonstrating a deep understanding of their art form. Program Outcomes Regional residents learn new arts skills & techniques. Regional residents gain awareness and appreciation for a variety of artistic disciplines and mediums. Regional artists build their capacity through professional development. Proposals to the Artist in Residence program must contain the following components: Arts Learning activities conducted with a core group A Community Component that invites and informs the community surrounding the school or organization to learn about or participate in residency activities A Staff In-Service component that builds staff capacity and/or supports residency activities Eligibility Criteria Applicants must serve Region 7W residents and be located within the Minnesota counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright. Nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations Community groups WITH nonprofit fiscal sponsorship Public Schools Local government entities (city, township and county) For more information, visit Central MN Arts Board.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications which foster communities to build inclusive, welcoming entrepreneurial environments to advance equitable entrepreneurship opportunities in the lives of all people. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this grant program is to support IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, units/agencies of government or public institution organizations which are providing direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations in southern Minnesota. Examples of initiatives may include the creation of an entrepreneurial education program for diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations, organized community dialogue to build inclusivity around entrepreneurship, expanded access to business resources for all community members; the development of systems to advance equitable entrepreneurial activity and reduce the wealth gap among entrepreneurs of diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations. Applications should effectively illustrate the following Creates economic opportunity and advances economic prosperity for racially diverse populations of potential/existing entrepreneurs. Focuses on the well-being of potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs who have experienced inequities. Removes community or systemic barriers to increase access to skills, knowledge, or talents for potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs. Demonstrates that initiatives can be sustained or grow beyond the initial funding. Funding Information Up to $10,000 is available to qualified and approved applicants, and recipients will have 18 months to implement their work.  Grant Guidelines  Proposals must be submitted by an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization, a unit/agency of government or a public institution.  Informal and grassroots organizations are eligible to apply but will be required to have an eligible fiscal host.  Proposals must demonstrate a direct benefit to SMIF’s 20-county region.  10% cash match is required An interim progress report and final written report will be required by all grant recipients Exclusion Ineligible organizations or activities include: Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses (including staff funding) and expenses not directly related to the project/program Capital funding, real estate investments, fixed assets, equipment, capital campaigns or endowments Project/program expenses incurred prior to application Projects/programs in progress prior to application or completed (excludes planning phase) Funds for re-granting or to establish loan pools Research projects or school-related internships Strategic plans, feasibility studies or project planning without implementation and completion within the 12-month timeframe Participant stipends (scholarships for participant fees may be considered) Organizations that have an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant (cannot close grant prior to project end date listed in contract). For more information, visit SMIF.

The James B. Linsmayer Foundation primarily awards grants within the areas of arts and culture, education, health and human services in the vibrant Twin Cities of Minnesota. Donor Name: James B. Linsmayer Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Health Human services Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. Limitations Although the Foundation will consider assisting start-up organizations, funding may not be requested for organizational or start-up expenses. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Art Project grant program provides nonprofit organizations with funding to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the region. Donor Name: Southwest Minnesota Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Art Projects may include, but are not limited to: Music, dance, and theater productions by community groups Productions by professionals brought into the community Visual art exhibits Readings by authors Arts classes for community members of all ages (excluding projects in schools) Public art Arts festivals. Funding Information Art Project grants are available for up to $7,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Who Can Apply? Geographic Areas  Applicant organizations must be located within the SW MN Arts Council service region, consisting of eighteen counties (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties) and two tribal nations (Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community, Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community). They acknowledge that the Southwest Minnesota region occupies the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the Dakota people.  Types of Organizations  The Art Project grant program is open to nonprofit organizations as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code with Articles of Incorporation on file with the State of Minnesota or official units of city, county, or state government of the State of Minnesota. Public schools may apply if they have a community project. (Otherwise, public schools should see the Arts in the Schools grants.)  Fiscal Sponsors  If your organization is not yet a registered nonprofit, you may apply using a fiscal sponsor. Some examples of organizations in this situation include one that has just recently been formed, with only a few board members and a couple of activities completed so far. Or, an organization may have been in existence for years, but the scale of its activities and capacity of its volunteers haven’t warranted filing for nonprofit status.  The fiscal sponsor organization must meet the requirements listed above under the types of eligible organizations. A signed agreement outlining the relationship between the applicant and the fiscal sponsor must be submitted with the application. A fiscal sponsor, if used, must sign the application and, if funded, sign the grant contract. The fiscal sponsor is legally responsible for the proper management of grant funds and for the completion of the project. For more information, visit SMAC.

The East Central Regional Arts Council offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for arts projects in Minnesota's Region 7E, supporting activities such as performances, exhibitions, residencies, and workshops, with eligibility open to local units of government, schools, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and groups with a qualifying fiscal sponsor.