Minnesota Arts Grants

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications from Minnesota educational cooperative service units that have prior experience in the provision of statewide leadership and other forms of technical assistance to ensure a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with low incidence disabilities. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Education State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The grant-funded partner selected for an award will provide supports to continue to sustain and increase the capacity of the special education workforce in Minnesota. The partner selected will provide aligned, requested and anticipated technical assistance, including purposeful and sustained collaborative opportunities to educational professionals who provide education to all students, with a specific focus on students with low incidence disabilities. The work will include a multi-tiered support framework for technical assistance (MTS-TA) to support skill building for educators and other educational professionals, including coordination and partnership with their local districts, coops and other educational agencies that provide special education services. This includes important disability-specific technical assistance and best practices for early identification and support, in collaboration and alignment with institutions of higher education focusing on development of a competent workforce and addressing staff shortages. Students with low incidence disabilities have been those students which comprise less than 10 percent of all students receiving special education services, or students within those historical categories where the needs for some of those students might require a layer of more intensive supports. The categorical areas in which they anticipate necessary supports are listed under specific program expectations for grant-funded partners. Funding Information This grant opportunity estimates that $875,000 per year is available. Project Period The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  This competitive grant opportunity is open to Minnesota education cooperative service units that have the capacity to provide leadership and technical assistance on a statewide scale. For more information, visit MDE.

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) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers for purchasing and installing safety equipment in their grain storage facilities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

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 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.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small-Town Grant Program. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Small Town Grant Program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way your community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of your community. Funding Information  Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation offers up to $10,000. Grant Period 12 Months. Geographic Areas Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation serves south central and southeastern Minnesota which includes 20 counties, 175 communities and one Native nation. This includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Goodhue, Martin, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Mower, Rice, Olmsted, Steele, Sibley, Waseca, Wabasha, Winona and Watonwan, as well as Dakota Oyate (Prairie Island Indian Community). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations are units/agencies of government, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (current status, not pending), and public institutions (public schools, public higher education, etc.) Organizations which do not comply with the above status may seek a fiscal agent who holds one of the above legal statuses. Exclusions Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses and expenses not directly related to the project Programs or services mandated by law Routine maintenance Campaigns or endowments For more information, visit SMIF.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is seeking applications for its 2024 Open Grant Round. Donor Name: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/07/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Community Vitality The Foundation supports work that addresses at least one of six areas of community vitality. Data and the experience suggest that the following elements play key roles in community health and vitality. Community Connectedness Creating opportunities for equity in arts, civic dialogue, community problem solving as well as supporting natural and built spaces where people live, work and play While community connectedness can be fostered in many ways, the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation is prioritizing three broad strategies: arts and culture, civic engagement and environmental justice. The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “[a]ll 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., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.) through the arts. The civic engagement priorities include work designed to build the capacity and power of marginalized community members through organizing and training. The goals for this work should be focused on advancing equity. The Foundation’s environmental justice priorities include work that contributes to an intergenerational, multi-racial movement that promotes a safe, clean community and workplace environment. The Foundation also seeks to aid East Metro communities to build and strengthen enduring community connections between people, to heal and revitalize the community while restoring natural spaces, and to encourage stewardship of natural resources through education programs. Economic Opportunity and Security Strengthening support for low-income individuals and families through community development, workforce education and training and creating sustainable employment pathways The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. In the East Metro, this includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQ+ people. Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership of businesses and homes, and expanding access to culturally appropriate services. Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, they will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike. Education Exploring high-quality educational opportunities for everyone, from cradle to career, and more equitable access for racial and cultural communities The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen after a difficult period in their learning and growth. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional supports for young people most impacted by educational inequity. The Foundation will also support the policy change and other systems change efforts of organizations working toward ensuring a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality early care and education programs. Health Increasing health equity through quality, affordable health services, particularly for low-income, uninsured and under-insured individuals The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services. The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families and provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services and holistic care. Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Housing and Transportation Strengthening the region through affordable, quality housing, addressing homelessness and investing in equitable transportation options and benefits The Foundation embraces the vision for housing justice articulated by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. The Foundation will prioritize work that ensures the most marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness are able to access housing that is “safe, decent, affordable,” and “free of prejudice” while also receiving the additional supports and services they need. Work within the transportation sector that explicitly addresses intersections of racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity and health equity will also be prioritized. Human Services and Family Support Meeting basic needs for individuals and families, helping them be safe, stable and independent The Foundation will prioritize grants that assist residents in navigating life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence. In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people. Types of Grants The current grant opportunity includes funding for general operating support for the whole organization and capital support. General Operating Grants These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits. To be eligible for general operating support, organizations must primarily serve the East Metro area with 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization benefiting East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Capital Grants These grants are designed to support your organization’s 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. Capital projects must be located in the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization are benefiting East Metro residents. They will consider capital grants for projects located in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties for: Renovations/repairs Land acquisition Construction costs Technology hardware and software Equipment Furniture Appliances. Geographic Areas The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region, which is defined as Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. Grants can also be made to groups working through an eligible fiscal sponsor. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing those experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work they support but inform, form, and lead it as well. Ineligibility  The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation will not consider grant requests for support of: Sectarian religious programs or organizations Work by an individual Capital projects located outside Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties Program/project specific requests. For more information, visit Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

This grant provides financial support to artists in specific Minnesota counties to help them advance their careers through various projects, training, and creative endeavors.

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.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.